John Joseph Mersinger, age 87, of Troy, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, April 30, 2003 at his home. Mr. Mersinger was born September 28, 1915 to Valentine and Catherine (Riebold) Mersinger in rural Troy, Illinois. He married Lucille Strieker on May 28, 1957. Joe worked as a millwright at Pfizer Chemical Company in E. St. Louis for 30 years. He was a fourth degree Knight with Knights of Columbus Council 9266, past member of KC Council 6625 Maryville and KC Council 1712 Collinsville, and he was a former officer of Southern Illinois District, Knights of Columbus Assembly. In 1995, he was distinguished as a Hall of Fame member in Illinois' Knights of Columbus. He volunteered for many years with the KC halls and properties and worked with the Friday night Fish Fries. He was an accomplished pianist and played with The Modernaires Band for 40 years. He was a member of Musicians Local Highland and Musicians Local Collinsville.

He is survived by his wife, Lucille; a son James "Jim" (Rozann) Mersinger of Maryville; a daughter, Margaret "Maggie" (Steve) Benhoff of Troy; 4 grandchildren, Kathryn and Mary Benhoff, and Joseph and Molly Mersinger; and a brother Ludolph (Lenore) Mersinger of Highland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Oscar, Gilbert and Adrian; and sisters, Olivia and Veronica.

Visitation: 4:00 pm, Friday, May 2, 2003 at Laughlin Funeral Home, Troy, Illinois. A Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 pm, Friday, at the funeral home. Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary, followed by KC Chalice Ceremony at 7:30 pm, Friday, also at the funeral home. Friends may also call at 9:00 am, Saturday at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, Illinois.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 am, Saturday, May 3, 2003 at St. Jerome Catholic Church with Father Steven Janoski officiating.

Interment: St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Black Jack, Illinois.

Memorials: Knights of Columbus Countil 9266, Troy Historical Society, of Gateway Hospice.