We've all heard it said about new cars that they lose several thousand dollars in value as you drive away from the dealership.

Most of us buy our cars with the supposition that they will depreciate in value until they begin to cost more than they are worth, at which point we buy another one and start the degradation anew.

Ron Becker, of rural Trenton, turns that theory on its head.

When he buys a car, it's usually for keeps. "...and I rarely sell one for less than I paid for it," says Becker. "I buy them with the idea that it's an investment."

The Beckers have 15 cars, ranging from 50 years old (a turquoise 1960 Chevrolet that originally belonged to his aunt) to nearly brand-new, a 2010 Chevy Camaro he just purchased this spring.

And all of them, without fail, are in mint or nearly-mint condition.

How does he do it? Becker's short answer is "it's just a matter of discipline."

His philosophy began to form when he was still in grade school, rooted in conversations he heard between his dad and friends. The talk invariably turned to cars, and eventually to lament. "There would always be a guy who said, 'boy, I wish I had never gotten rid of this car or that car'," Becker says today. "I remember thinking, why couldn't a guy buy a car and keep it?"

In high school, Becker developed the same fascination with cars as most teenaged boys. "When we sat around and talked about cars," Becker said, "the goal was always to get a Corvette."

About a decade later, Becker got his Corvette, but only after experiencing disappointment in his initial effort. "I had ordered a new model in 1973," he said, "but the factory didn't make enough of them and I didn't get one. Shortly after that I bought a '69 Corvette from (former Trenton resident) Mike Davis." Becker still has the orange '69, and later added a 2006 model that he bought new.

The prize show car in his collection, though, is a red 1961 Chevrolet Impala he originally purchased when he was a junior in high school.

"I'll never forget that morning--it was on a Saturday--when Ralph Taylor (a former Chevy dealer in Trenton) called and said, 'get down here. The truck with your car on it just got here'."

Nearly 50 years and about 67,000 miles later, the car remains in showroom condition despite having never been restored.

When Becker arrived at the car lot, Taylor insisted that he drive the new Impala into the service garage for its initial service. It was an experience he was able to replicate earlier this year when he purchased the 2010 Camaro.

"When Nathan Deien (of Deien Chevrolet) called me and told me the Camaro was here, I said I didn't want to pick it up in the winter, so they agreed to keep it in their showroom until the weather turned," said Becker.

In fact, Becker said at least a half-dozen of his cars have never been out in the rain, and hardly any of them have had snowfall crunch beneath their tires.

After buying the new Camaro, the first thing Becker did was remove the hood and trunklid to have racing stripes painted on, rather than keep the decals applied by the factory, which would eventually fade and crack. He also added a spoiler to the rear end and repainted the area below the rear bumper, from black to the same canary yellow as the rest of the car.

"I get a kick out of driving up to Jailhouse Rock, for example, and having someone come in and say, 'man, that's a nice car out there'," Becker said. "It's a simple thing, but it makes me feel good."

Even the Beckers' everyday cars look showroom new for the most part. There's the '99 Chevy Cavalier that both of his children drove to college at Edwardsville that still looks brand-new. There's the '96 Lumina that serves as the Beckers' "everyday car" yet remains as clean as if it were never driven. There's the 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser that only has 4,000 miles on it. A couple of newer trucks, along with the 1974 Chevrolet pick-up that was the family farm truck and still has the original mustard-yellow paint.

In fact, nearly all of the cars were either purchased new or had originally belonged to a relative, the better to maintain control over the condition.

Becker cleans each car after every use. "Sometimes it's as small as cleaning a couple of bugs off the front, but I couldn't sleep at night knowing they weren't all clean." All the cars are stored, and many of them are covered. Heck, his lawnmower is cleaner than most of our cars. When he washes a car, he handwashes it.

In fact, Becker takes some gentle ribbing about his cars. "When I get a new one, guys say 'you're never going to sell it' but we've sold some," Becker said. "I don't know, you buy them and they're like puppies, you get attached to them."

Becker's story isn't the typical one for a car collector. He has cars of many different makes and models, domestic and foreign, varying price points, old and new. One gets the impression that his continuing interest is stoked by being able to defy the conventional way of thinking.

In fact, Becker said that while some of the older cars in his collection grab most of the attention, he enjoys driving the newer ones more. "The new cars are so much more fun to drive," he said. "There's just something about getting behind the wheel of a car that's capable of going really fast."

Becker is helping Pete Schumacher coordinate the TrentonFest car show on Saturday, September 10, but you probably won't see any of his cars there. Instead, he expects to show one of his antique tractors at Saturday's Vintage Tractor Show.

He's never been that interested in taking his cars to shows, despite having prodigious success when he did. "We showed cars for three or four years, and when I had accumulated 50 trophies I decided to stop. It's a lot of work getting a car ready to show competitively, and worrying that someone will scratch the paint or damage it in some way," Becker said.

That's one reason that the TrentonFest car show won't be competitive, just an opportunity for people who are proud of their old cars to show them off. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. and the automobiles will be on display from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., and entrants are encouraged to participate in the TrentonFest parade starting at 5:30 p.m. Any car model year 1985 or earlier is eligible for the show, and pre-registration isn't necessary. For more information, call Pete Schumacher at 789-3588.

Becker still recalls Trenton's first car show, which took place during the "Great Western Round-Up" homecoming days, 1978. He took six cars to the show then, and came home with seven trophies, including one for each class he entered as well as the 'people's choice' award.

Workers from Street Creep, Inc. installed last week a flexible strip of material across portions of Christopher Lane and Joan Drive in New Baden, hoping to mitigate the slippage of the concrete streets.

Residents on both streets have seen their driveways crumbled and foundations compromised by the steady slide of the streets over time. The phenomenon is thought to be the result of expansion and contraction of the materials, perhaps exacerbated by traffic rounding curves on the streets.

The problem is most acute at homes that are located within a curve or near one, and the Street Creep material is designed to absorb the pressure before it damages private property. Street Creep, Inc. sawcut strategic sections of the concrete pavement and installed a rubberized material in the gap.

Village officials don't view the Street Creep installation to be the final solution to the problem, according to New Baden administrator Jimmy Morani, but hope it will limit future damage and control the street slippage in the near term.

Morani said the village has solicited engineering cost estimates for replacement of portions of Christopher and Joan along with Harvey Lane in the newer Steepleview subdivision. New Baden has been promised a $125,000 grant for street replacement as part of the state legislature's capital bill, but it could be some time before the village receives the money.

The capital bill is funded by a special tax being applied to certain luxury and beauty items, along with an increase in automobile licensing fees. Because of the dedicated revenue stream, Morani said he is confident the village will receive the money, "but the question is when we'll receive it," he said. "I think we'll get the money before our fiscal year ends (next spring), but the board's going to have to decide if they want to go forward with these projects before then." The village is also due about $80,000 from another capital bill grant for sidewalk replacement.

The taxes and fees that are intended to provide revenue for the capital bill are also intended to fund the school construction program, from which Wesclin has been promised some $13 million to build a new high school.

The Street Creep project cost about $4,200.

Wesclin superintendent Dave Daum visited Trenton's city council Monday night, along with the steering committee for a proposed $9.6 million construction bond referendum to build a new high school.

The high school is expected to cost about $23.3 million altogether, with a state school construction grant providing 59 percent of the costs.

Daum said a combination of factors make this a good time to building the new school, including the construction grant program, the availability of land already owned by the school district, and the fact that two other bond issues will expire before the potential new one takes effect.

Even with the new bonds, Daum said the tax rate related to debt service will be lower than the current rate. "It's very unusual when a district can add a new building and have the tax rate for debt lower than it was before," Daum said.

Daum said the district is at capacity, and in violation of state law regarding the size of special education classrooms. The additional space will also create opportunities for expanding the curriculum and allow athletic facilities to occur on-site.

Daum said elementary school children will also benefit since the general plan is to move grades four through six to the current junior high-high school, which Daum said will enhance their learning environment and provide a more consistent curriculum.

Pehg Zeller of the referendum steering committee said that while Daum can't ask people to vote for the bond issue in his position as superintendent, "the steering committee is asking for you to vote for it, and support it. This is an opportunity we won't get again. We're asking for people to help us make the referendum successful. If we wait we won't be able to pay for it. A new school's good for a community. We have a good school and now we need a new school."

The committee has several informational events planned throughout the month of September. The bond issue will be on the ballot in November.

Kevin Brinkman of KRB Excavating wants the city to pay for the removal of a fire hydrant that is located near his property on South Main Street. Brinkman said the hydrant makes it difficult for him to maneuver his equipment into his storage yard, and said last week that he is concerned one of his employees will hit the hydrant with a vehicle or trailer.

City water and sewer superintendent said removing the hydrant will require at least one "line stop" which will put 18 to 14 homes out of water service for the time during which the work is being done. Maue said the line stop will cost about $2,000 but said the final cost of the entire project can't be projected, depending on what is required. "There's more involved than just a line stop," Maue said.

Brinkman said he is willing to do the excavation work for the project and provide a laborer, but wants the city to stand the rest of the cost.

Council member Terry Klein said he doesn't think the city should be responsible for the costs. "I think, make him pay for it," Klein said. Mayor Gary Sellers had suggested last week when Brinkman approached the council about the same matter that the excavator pay for half the costs.

"Then go down and tell Michelle Maue to pay for half of that alley you put in behind her place," Brinkman said. Maue and her husband Brad are the owners of the new Dairy King restaurant located at the corner of Broadway and Madison. Dairy King paid to have the alley behind the restaurant resurfaced in concrete for use as a drive-through lane, and the city council agreed to pay to continue the new concrete to the end of the alley at its intersection with Jefferson Street on the east.

Council member Margaret Conley said, "She did pay for half of it." Brinkman said that he meant make her pay for half of the half the city paid for.

"I just don't see how you guys bend over backwards for everyone but me. You guys gave Maue a new alley that doesn't benefit anyone but her," Brinkman said. The city paid about $20,000 of tax increment financing (TIF) funds for the resurfacing work, and Dairy King also stands to receive up to $50,000 in property tax rebates over a period of 14 years through a TIF redevelopment agreement. The city expects to generate about $100,000 in property tax dollars over that same period.

"Dairy King brings in a lot of tax money for the city," Conley said.

"I want to bring a lot of tax dollars into the city too," Brinkman said. "but I don't get any help from you. I try and just stay away from you guys, but I want the hydrant gone, period.

"You can get as snooty as you want with me," Brinkman told Conley. "You've been out to get me ever since I voted for Bob Koentz." Koentz defeated Conley in the mayoral election in 2005.

"This is not personal," Conley replied.

The contractor raised an issue from June 2008, when Conley and council member Kim Trame admitted to making disparaging remarks about KRB Excavating to New Baden village officials. "I never got a written apology for that, and we were promised one," Brinkman said.

Mayor Gary Sellers said the council will probably vote on the matter at their regular meeting on Tuesday, September 7. "We can't vote on anything tonight, Kevin," Sellers said. "This is just a work meeting. We'll discuss it further and vote on it on the seventh."

Finance committee chairman Terry Klein said city personnel will manually read the water meters in town to make certain that the electronic wands being used in some cases are accurate. "The auditors want manual readings of all water meters to make sure, I guess, that the wands are working properly," Klein said. "They recommend that a different person than the usual meter reader do it."

Trenton has experienced a troublesome trend in its water and sewer funds over the past year or so, with declining revenue and a plummeting ratio of water purchased to water sold. The city recently contracted to have the entire water system checked for leaks. None were found, but Nelson Matter of Leak Detection Services told city officials that the meter that measures the water Trenton purchases from SLM water district may be inaccurate. Water superintendent Roger Maue is working on that problem on a separate track, although it still wouldn't explain the declining revenue.

A financial report generated by the city indicates that for the first four months of this year the city has lost about $14,000 in its water account and about $15,000 in its sewer account, although city clerk Karen Buzzard said Tuesday that the report probably isn't accurate. Buzzard said she and the city's auditors have discovered bugs in the accounting software that may be producing bad numbers.

Water Clerk Peggy Wellen said she will also have to manually input the billing as well. "I don't mind doing it, but it's going to mean a lot of additional work for me," Wellen said, "and we don't have Carolyn here any more." City Hall employee Carolyn Turner was laid off last month as part of a council cost-cutting resolution that also included two other employees."

Mayor Sellers announced that city council members will not throw candy to local children at this year's TrentonFest parade. "The way our finances are, I don't think we can afford to spend a hundred dollars or whatever it is on candy for the parade," Sellers said, although he said council members could donate the candy for the parade themselves.

Trenton mayor Gary Sellers is poised to appoint the O'Fallon law firm Belsheim and Bruckert as the city's new attorneys, replacing Kristi Vetri. Vetri resigned last month after Sellers told her he intended to change city attorneys.

Vetri, also of O'Fallon, had been Trenton's city attorney for about 15 years, serving under four mayors.

Sellers took a straw vote of council members at Monday night's work session, and all six agreed they would support his appointment. "We need an attorney," said council member Tom Harpstrite, "and currently they're our only option."

Four attorneys from the firm attended Monday night's meeting, including lead attorney Doug Gruenke of New Baden along with Terry Bruckert, John Long, and Of Counsel Duane Clark.

Gruenke presented a fee proposal to the city that includes a $1,500 monthly retainer that includes three meetings per month, routine correspondence, research, telephone conversations with city officials and department heads, preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and minor contracts, and research. Additional work will be billed at the discounted rate of $135 per hour, although some items for which the city will be reimbursed will be billed at the firm's regular rate.

"I understand that most cities are hurting financially right now," said Gruenke. "The retainer helps for budgeting purposes."

Trenton paid Vetri $100 per hour plus a $400 monthly retainer. Her fees averaged about $1,150 per month, including the retainer, last fiscal year.

The city's legal expenses are higher this year, since they also include the negotiation of labor contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police and the Teamsters union. Trenton has incurred about $11,000 in legal fees in the first four months of the current fiscal year, about half of which has gone to fees associated with labor negotiations.

Vetri had also been Trenton's lead attorney for the labor contracts, in consultation with St. Louis labor attorney Michael Lowenbaum. The city council voted at a special meeting last Thursday to hire Lowenbaum to represent the city in contract negotiations, at an hourly rate of $315.

-1910-

Hon. J.C. Eisenmayer, departed for Effingham and Clay counties in the interest of his candidacy for the legislature. His platform is good government and turn the rascals out.

The high school organized a Lyceum Society with Anna Dillon as president, Stokley Carter vice president, Merle Hartley secretary, Elbert Smith treasurer and Carrie Meinkoth chairman of the program committee.

About 30 progressive businessmen met Monday night and effected an organization, the purpose of which is to organize fall activities.

-1920-

Edwin Vollet and Miss Della Niemeyer went to Beckemeyer last Thursday, where they were united in marriage.

It is now unlawful to kill ducks and geese in Illinois, wood ducks excepted.

The Aviston parish met to arrange for the handling of nine carloads of gravel when they arrive for the basement and foundation for the new school building.

Mrs. John Whitaker, nee Anna Steward, died at the home of her sister here October 2, aged 68 years.

Mrs. George Phillips, who resides in the southeast part of town, has a lilac bush in full bloom.

-1930-

Arnold Faitz, 29, was instantly killed and Nelson Moffatt painfully injured in a car accident east of Aviston on the Lake Branch bridge.

A fire was noticed in the rear room of the Allen Store in the Eisenmayer building on Broadway Wednesday night, and the firemen promptly put it out.

A number of relatives and friends gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Oelschlager Sunday to help celebrate their silver wedding anniversary.

-1940-

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ben Bassler in the Highland hospital.

Adam Renth of south New Baden was seriously injured Sunday night when his car struck a concrete bridge abutment near his home. He was united in marriage to Miss Marjorie Ford of New Memphis last Saturday afternoon,

Milton Schoonover, father of Mrs. Hayward Zahn, died in Caseyville.

Herbert Kurz, who has been connected with Welz Cafe the past several years, on Monday disposed of his interest to his partner, Cornell Welz, who will continue the business. Mr. Kurz is making arrangements to open a new shoe store here.

-1950-

Sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rakers and Mr. and Mrs. John Ring.

Miss Janice Seger became the bride of Bernard Brueggemann on September 23 in St. Mary Church.

The marriage of Miss Lois Orschell and Donald Grunefelder of Highland took place in the rectory at St. Mary last Saturday afternoon.

Announcement has been made of the August 19 wedding of Miss Eilma Orschell and Anthony Koerkenmeier in Pocahontas, Arkansas.

-1960-

Miss Marilyn Willmann, 22, was killed Wednesday morning in a car collision two miles east of O'Fallon.

Colonel Walter H. Becker, regular Army Dental Corps, retired from active service with 36 years of creditable services on September 30. He will join the staff of Loyola University in Chicago as an assistant professor of oral surgery.

Sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Detmer and Mr. and Mrs. John Boehm.

William Fox, 37, of Florissant and son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Schumacher of Aviston died Friday of injuries received in an auto accident.

Bernard Dieters, former county judge of Clinton County, died at his home in Carlyle Wednesday at the age of 79.

-1970-

The citizenry of Trenton is asked to reserve water, not only be refraining from sprinkling lawns but in every way possible.

Mrs. Jacob Heer, nee Katherine Burkam, 83, of Summerfield died September 18.

Mrs. Sharon Koch became the bridge of Stanley Haar September 5 in St. Paul Church.

Mrs. Johanna Strake of Breese died unexpectedly September 29 at the age of 84.

G.H. Willeke, 85, died September 28 at the Masonic Home in Sullivan. He was formerly secretary of the Trenton Savings and Loan Association.

-1980-

F & J Disposal Service of Highland was the successful bidder of the trash and garbage contract for Trenton.

The Trenton Legion baseball team has a 28-10 record. Frank Colston was MV Player and Tim Rakers MV Pitcher.

Eleven children were struck by lightning while playing soccer in Breese Saturday.

The total school enrollment in Clinton County elementary school is 4,673 and 2,229 in high schools. A year ago, there were 4,803 in elementary schools and 2,322 in high schools.

The Central High School Marching Cougars won fourth place in the Southern Illinois Championship at Murphysboro.

Mrs. John Holtkamp, nee Catherine Marcus, of Aviston died September 11 at the age of 87.

-1990-

New Baden's Chamber of Commerce offered to donate $5,000 to the village in order to build a new shelter at the park. Mayor Ralph Bann supports the project and suggested the village board include funding in its next fiscal year budget.

Wilbur and Evelyn Bugger of rural Trenton grew a pumpkin of which weighed over 92 pounds on a seed purchased from K-Mart. Mr. Bugger said, "The package said they could grow up to 100 pounds. I didn't believe them, but now I do."

Trenton was awarded over $275,000 in state funds for the resurfacing of Old Route 50 from Cottonwood Lane to the St. Clair-Clinton County line road.

Katherine Linn Alsman, formerly of Trenton, and David Ronald Wagner of Highland announced their engagement and upcoming marriage.

-2000-

Carlyle police sergeant Mike Klutho will be Trenton's next police sergeant if Trenton's city council ratifies the recommendation of mayor Herb Schlarmann.

Christine M. Cryder and Matthew M. Mannhard were married August 5 at St. Mary Church in Trenton.

Wesclin's Junior High softball team won the championship of the season-opening O'Fallon tourney, the first time Wesclin has won the 16-team tournament.

Lena K. Vogel, 87, of Carlyle died Friday, August 25 at Countryside Manor in Aviston.

Thresa Smith, 91, of Odin, Illinois died Thursday, August 26, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. She was born June 15, 1919 in Odin Township to Claude and Margaret Carter, nee Andereck, and they both preceded her in death. She married Eugene N. Smith on August 29, 1936, and he died March 31, 1982. Other precedents include brothers Richard Carter and Alfred Carter, and sisters Edith Littrell, Agnes Donoho and Helen Bryant. Surviving are her children, Harold (Kay) Smith of Odin and Linda (Robert) Wutzler of Trenton; sister, Margie Honecker of Centralia; grandchildren, Melinda (Tony) Boyles of Odin, Patricia (Terry) Bartley of Iuka and Rob (Kristi) Wutzler of Highland; and great grandchildren, Alisha Tribble, Kasey Cox, Chelsie Bartley, Delanie Wutzler and Mekenna Wutzler. Mrs. Smith had been a cook at Odin School for 25 years. She loved cooking for her family, reading and sewing. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially spending time with them on holidays and birthdays. Mrs. Smith was a life-long member of Bethel Baptist Church in Odin, with a deep-rooted faith in God, and she taught Adult Sunday School for 25 years. She was secretary and treasurer for the Helping Hands Class and a member of the Women's Missionary Union for many years. Interment Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. Memorials to Bethel Baptist Church in Odin.

Retired MSgt. Woodrow W. LaCaze, USAF, 92, of Albers, died Monday, August 30, 2010, at his daughter's home in Marion. He was born May 9, 1918 in Montrose, Louisiana to Frank and Lisa LaCaze, nee Scroggins, and they both preceded him in death. He married Margaret L. Kennett on August 1, 1942 in St. Charles, Missouri, and she died May 11, 2007. Other precedents include six brothers, Billazarre LaCaze, Moreau LaCaze, J.E. LaCaze, Sullivan LaCaze, Ashley LaCaze, and Neville LaCaze; one sister, Oreline Thomisee; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Lilly LaCaze, Emily LaCaze, Mae LaCaze, Azzie LaCaze, Sis LaCaze, Betty LaCaze, Riley Thomisee, Virginia and John Logsdon, Victor Mueller, Franklin Kennett and Charles and Adele Kennett. Surviving are his children, Tom (Donna) LaCaze of New Baden, Wanda (Albert) Noble of Marion and Frank (Tish) LaCaze of Salem; six grandchildren, Heather (Mark) Bruce, Rodney (Karen) LaCaze, Jace (Shelley) LaCaze, Jessica Glenn, Trisha (Jason) Brightwell, and Michelle (Jerry) Reed; nine great-grandchildren, Sophia LaCaze, Everette LaCaze, Ella LaCaze, Maddox LaCaze, Beau Brightwell, Zach Brightwell, Brooke Reed, Brandon Reed, and Isaiah Bruce; and brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Daniel and Viola Kennett of Albers, Eleanor Mueller of Albers, and Virginia Kennett of New Baden. Mr. LaCaze was a veteran of the United States Air Force, served during WWII in Africa and Italy and was a first sergeant for many years. After he retired from the Air Force, he was a barber at Melvin's Barber Shop in Belleville. He was a member of St. Bernard Parish in Albers and the American Legion Post 1026 in Albers. He enjoyed fishing. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. today (Wednesday) and from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, September 2 at Hempen Funeral Home in Albers. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 2 at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Albers with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery in Albers. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the American Legion Post 1026 and will be received at the funeral home.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com

Mary E. Hobbs, 78, of Trenton died at home Sunday, August 29, 2010. She was born in Fayette County, Illinois to Ervin McKendree Winchester and Nellie Catherine Winchester, nee Isley, and they both preceded her in death. She married Leonard Hobbs February 27, 1960 at First United Methodist Church in Trenton, and he survives at home. Mrs. Hobbs was a homemaker and retired as a waitress from Wayside Inn in Aviston. Private services with cremation were held through Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.

Condolences to mossfuneralhome.com

James H. "Jim" Varel, 63, of Bartelso died Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. He was born June 24, 1947 in Breese to William and Margaret Varel, nee Hemker, and they both preceded him in death. He married Elizabeth "Betty" Koopmann April 7, 1970 at St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso, and she survies in Bartelso. Also surviving are his children, Melissa (Brian) Buchheit of O'Fallon, Jason Varel of Barelso, Eric (Michelle) Varel of Bartelso, Melinda (Pat) McDermott of Chicago, Amy (Aaron) McLean of Fairview Heights, Jesse Varel of Bartelso, Melanie (fiancÈ Steve Hursey) Varel of Bartelso, Jeremy Varel of Decatur and Alison Varel of Bartelso; six grandchildren; brothers, Pete (Joan) Varel and Bill (Joann) Varel, all of Bartelso; sisters, Sally (Bernie) Gerdes, Margie (Jim) Wilken, Bernadette (Gerhard) Kluemke, Flossie (Frank) Schlautman, all of Bartelso and Blanche Goebel of New Baden; brothers- and sisters- in law; other relatives and friends. Mr. Varel was a dairy farmer and member of St. Cecilia Church in Bartelso. Interment St. Cecilia Cemetery.

For complete obituary or condolences, mossfuneralhome.com

Robert J. "Bob" Albers, 78, of New Baden, died Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at his home. He was born November 21, 1931 in Germantown, son of Henry and Catherine Albers, nee Hilmes, and they both preceded him in death. Other precedents included a brother, Raymond Albers; a sister-in-law, Florence Albers, and brothers-in-law Justin Vandeloo, George Vandeloo, and Bernard Huels. He married Julie Vandeloo on October 5, 1954 in Bartelso and she survives at home. Also surviving are his children, Ronald H. (Cheri) Albers, Ellen (Dale) Litteken, and Bryan (Ann) Albers, all of Trenton; six grandchildren, Curt (Leah) Albers of Aviston, Jamie (Eric) Henken and Craig (Rachel) Litteken, all of Germantown, Krista (fiancÈ, Jeremy Lanter) Litteken of Breese, Ashley Litteken and Rebecca Albers of Trenton, and a new grandchild expected in the spring; two great grandchildren, Kale Albers and Maxwell Albers, and twin great grandsons who will arrive in December; brothers- and sisters-in-law Dorothy Vandeloo and Blanche Vandeloo of Bartelso, and Jane Huels of Carlyle; and nephews Charles (Diane "Mert") Albers and Gary "Goober" (Jo Ann) Albers. Mr. Albers was a retired autoworker from General Motors. After his retirement he worked for Clinton County Electrical Cooperative as a meter reader. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden, the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden, and the Auto Workers Union Local 2250. His passions were his grandchildren, hunting, fishing and woodworking. The funeral will be Friday, September 3, 2010 at 10 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Kreher officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Thursday, September 2, 2010 and from 8 until 9:30 a.m. at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. The American Legion will visit the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Thursday. Memorials may be made to donor's choice and will be received at the funeral home.

Condolences to hempenfuneralhome.com