Fred LePere

Mr. Fred LePere was born in St. Clair county, about five miles from Belleville, Illinois, October 24, 1853; passed away at his home four miles northeast of Ava, Illinois, Saturday evening, December 1, 1934, at 5:30 o'clock, aged 81 years, 1 month and 7 days, after an illness of nearly four months.

The family is of German origin. His father, George J. LePere, was born in Germany in 1818 and emigrated to America 18 years later. He was married to Miss Wagner, who died leaving a daughter Sophie. In 1874 ( incorrect, should be 1847) he married Maria B. Birkner, who came from Germany when six years old. To this union were born nine chldren, namely: Margaret, Louisa, Fred, Catherine, Mary, Lizzie, Caroline, George, and Peter. The father was a member of the Lutheran church and died in St. Clair county in 1866. At her husband's death the mother was left with a large family of small children with only limited means. In a true Christian spirit she took up her life work and nobly and successfully accomplished her purpose. She came to the LePere home near Ava and there reared her chldfren. She also gave a home to two children of her deceased sister, to her brother and aged mother, making their last days happy and comfortable.

Fred LePere remained with his mother and aided her in all possible ways until she was called to the home beyond. He then purchased the interest of the other heirs in the farm where he lived until death. He  made a pleasant and comforable home, well improved in many respects. His early years were passed in hard work but his last years were surrounded by a comfortable competence as the result of  his own efforts.

On the 28th of October, 1877, Mr. LePere wedded Mary E. Williamson, daughter of Henry E. and Ann E. Williamson who were among the early settlers of Jackson county. To them were born four children: Laura A. Speith, William E. and John F. of Ava, Illinois, and Bertha E. Stephens of Willisville, Illinois. Besides the children mentioned, he leaves nine grandchildren and the following sisters and brothers: Mrs. Sophie Weigand of Georgetown, Illinois, Mrs. Catherine Heisner of Grand Chain, Illinois, Mrs. Lizzie Weatherford, Mrs. Caroline Schwartzcope and George LePere  of Pinckneyville, Illinois, and Pete LePere of Denver,Colorado. Besides being mourned by his immediate family and relatives, his loss has saddened the entire community.

The saddest day of his life was April 10, 1920, when his wife, Mary E., was so severely burned while assisting him in burning off a field, that medical aid could not save her life and she passed away.

"Uncle Fred", as he was known to many, seemed to have inherited his mother's energy and industry, and his generosity and kindness equaled hers. He was always ready and willing to help his neighbors in need, even though it was often a sacrifice to him. Fraternally, he was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Ava and Knights of Pythias of Sato. He held membership in both organizations for forty years, always trying to live up to their principles, to which he was very devoted. He served as school director of District 25 at two different periods. He was elected supervisor of Ora township in 1905 and served on the county board for twelve years.

While he was not affiliated with any church, he was a frequent attendant of the services.

The funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday, December 3, 1934, at 1:00 o'clock p.m. by the Rev. J.L. Meads of Benton, Illinois, old friend of the deceased. The remains were laid to rest in Ava Evergreen cemetery. Pallbearers were his six grandson, all sons of W.E. LePere, and the only grandsons he had, of these six boys there are two pairs of twins.

Source:   The Ava Citizen Dec. 7, 1934 No. 6 - Submitted by Marilyn LePere
 

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