Richard O. Zolper

Richard O. Zolper Age: 84 years A resident of rural Vienna, IL. Passed away Sunday morning, September 26, 2010, at 5:30 AM at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky. Richard was born November 17, 1925 in Mendota, Illinois. He was the son of Arthur Zolper and Louise (Kellen) Zolper. Richard was united in marriage to Eleanor Eddy on June 30, 1951. She preceded him in death in 1981. Richard was then united in marriage to Louise (Hight) on June 7, 1985. She survives. Other survivors include: 2 Sons - James Zolper and Anna of San Diego, CA Kenneth Zolper and his wife Jennifer of Lake St. Louis, MO 2 Grandsons - Richard Roland Zolper and Christopher Jordan Zolper In addition to his Parents and first wife, Richard was preceded in death by: 2 Brothers: Arthur Zolper and Roland "Bud" Zolper Richard was a graduate of Mendota, IL High School. Richard was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II. He was assigned to destroyer USS Waller and served extensively in the South Pacific Theater of operation. Richard was a member of Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 in Vienna and American Legion Post 306 in Metropolis. Richard worked as a typographer and later as a proofreader for Typesmith, Inc. in Chicago, IL for many years prior to his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the B.P.O.E. Lodge # 1212 in Mendota, IL. Richard was of the Catholic faith and was a parishioner of St. John Neumann Catholic Church in St. Charles, IL. Following his retirement in 1990, Richard and Louise moved to Southern Illinois. Richard loved the outdoors and especially loved mowing with and working on his John Deere tractor. He also enjoyed photography, watching hummingbirds, and reading and watching movies on a variety of subjects, particularly relating to either World War II or the mafia. Richard was a loving and wonderful Husband, Father, and Grandfather. A Graveside Service will be conducted Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at 10 AM at Resurrection Cemetery in Geneva, Illinois. Local visitation will be conducted Tuesday, September 28, 2010, from 9 AM - 10 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. A prayer service will be held at 10 AM Tuesday. Dr. Ed Hollis will officiate. The preferred form of remembrance would be donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Second Floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Richard O. Zolper

November 17, 1925 - September 26, 2010