Benjamin I Baechle

Benjamin I. “Ben” Baechle, 96, of Mascoutah, IL, born Feb. 3, 1922 in Shiloh Valley Township, IL, died Dec. 24, 2018 at Marka Nursing Home in Mascoutah, IL.

Mr. Baechle was engaged in farming.  Ben was also employed as a mechanic for Charles Klingel and Heberer Farm Equipment for 17 years. He was known as “Silversides” for his expertise of working on Gleaner Combines.  He then worked as a custodian for Mascoutah School District #19 for 15 years.  He was a member of Holy Childhood Catholic Church, Mascoutah, IL, the Holy Name Society, the Loyal Order of the Moose 815, and the St. Clair County Farm Bureau.

Mr. Baechle was preceded in death by his parents, William and Clara, nee Lindner, Baechle; his wife, Kathryn E., nee Siegel, Baechle, whom he married Nov. 4, 1947 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Blackjack, IL and who died Jan. 21, 2014; a brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Ruby, nee Weil, Baechle; a sister, Helen Beisiegel; a sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Lavern Ritzheimer; and a son-in-law, Roger Scalf.

He is survived by his son, Ronald (Carol Ferk) Baechle of Mascoutah, IL; three daughters, Carolyn (Tom) Turman of Manor, TX, Marilyn Baechle of Mascoutah, IL, and Vicky Scalf of Mascoutah, IL; grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Melvin (Gloria) Beisiegel of Freeburg, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank all staff at Mar-Ka Nursing Home, where he resided for 12 years, and was considered like a grandpa to many.  We would also like to thank Southern Illinois Hospice for their support and care.

In lieu of all other gifts memorials may be made to the Holy Childhood Capital Campaign Fund, Mascoutah, IL.  Condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah, IL.

Funeral: a funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 at Holy Childhood Catholic Church with Father Paul Wienhoff officiating. Private burial of his cremains will be held at a later date.