Bernie Monroe

Bernard (Bernie) Monroe MARION-Bernard (Bernie) Monroe, 96, died at 9:20 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, in the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL with his family by his side. Self written: He was born to George and Lilly Monroe on Dec. 3, 1916 in Lebanon, IL. He married Catherine (Betty) E. Skritski in St. Charles, MO on June 26, 1940. She preceded him in death in April 1998 after 57 years of a wonderful and loving relationship. Bernie attended school in Lebanon, IL, and then went to work in the coal mines. He worked in a variety jobs in East St Louis and St. Louis MO, before entering the U.S. Air Corps in April 1942 until March 1946 serving as a top turret gunner on B17 and flight engineer on C46, C47, and C54’s. Following WWII he was employed by McDonnell-Douglas until retiring, then moved to Williamson Co. IL to work as an American Legion service officer at Marion VAMC for 27 years. He managed The Haven Veteran’s Recreation Facility on Crab Orchard Lake. He served 20 years on the Deans Committee for School of Medicine at Southern Illinois University. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. Bernie had been an American Legion member for 67 years serving as Post commander, District Commander and member of numerous committees. He joined the La Societe Forty & Eight in 1955. He held numerous offices as Chef de Gare, Grand Chef de Gare, Directeur of Veteran’s Affairs, and President of the Chef de Gare Club. He held several Nationale positions including Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer. Bernie was a lifetime member of DAV and AmVets. He received many awards of recognition. He is survived by two daughters, Betty Jo Umdenstock of Herrin, IL and Susan Phipps and husband, John of Herrin, IL; grandsons, Bart Umdenstock and wife, Sue of Herrin, IL; Keith Umdenstock of Herrin, IL; Brett Umdenstock and wife, Patricia of Marion, IL; Guy Phipps of Herrin, IL; Michael Phipps and wife, Kara of Maryland; granddaughter, Emily Delay and husband, Kevin of Carterville, IL; numerous great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren; brother, William Monroe and wife, Nancy of Lebanon, IL; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; his son-in-law, Terry Umdenstock; his parents; three brothers, Charles, George, and Glenn; two sisters, Fern and Grace. The American Legion at The Haven on Crab Orchard Lake will give a memorial service at 6pm on Friday, August 16, 2013. Bernie’s wishes are being honored for his body to be donated to medicine followed by cremation and internment at East Lawn Cemetery in Herrin, IL at a later date.