Funeral services for Eugene J. Mersch, 88, East Moline, are 1PM Monday at St. Anne Catholic Church, East Moline. Entombment is in St. Mary's Cemetery, East Moline, where the East Moline American Legion Post 227 will conduct military honors. Visitation is 2-5 PM Sunday at Van Hoe Funeral Home Ltd., East Moline, with a rosary recited at 2 PM. Mr. Mersch died November 26, 2009 at Illini Restorative Care, Silvis. He was born June 7, 1921 in LaSalle, IL, the son of Herman and Mary (Harrington) Mersch. Gene graduated from La Salle Schools and attended Marquette University before he enlisted in the US Army in March of 1942. He served in the Central Pacific Theater, as a radar repairman. Eugene also served in Saipan, Iwo Jima and Eniwitok. He was discharged in 1946 as a Staff Sergeant. He married Irene Ann Klug in May of 1948. He was the supervisor of special service with the former Illinois Bell Telephone Co for 38 years, retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Eugene and Irene were members of St. Mary's East Moline for over 50 years. He was an avid reader, reading 2 to 3 books a week. He enjoyed working with stained glass and had made many lamps over the years. He also enjoyed wood carving. His greatest achievement was building the family home in La Salle with his brothers Ed and Hermie. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Irene, daughters and sons-in-law: Lois and David Gannon, Rock Island, Betty and Dan Stock, Rock Island and Sue and Dave Sunstrom, Fairfax, IA, sons and daughters-in-law William and Peg (McGuire) Mersch, Downers Grove, IL and Paul and Sherry (Legris) Mersch, Normal, IL, fifteen grandchildren 4 great grandchildren and a sister Anne Ebener of Oglesby, IL. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Bill, Ed and Herman.