Norbert Joseph “Bert” Probst, age 89
June 2, 1931 – February 1, 2021
Norbert Joseph “Bert” Probst age 89, of Wheeler, Illinois, passed away at 11:15 PM – Monday, February 1, 2021, at HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM- Friday, February 5, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois with Father Frank Folino, O.F.M. celebrating Mass. Burial will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Island Grove, Illinois with full military rites by the Dieterich American Legion Post #628.
Friends are asked to join the family following the burial at the fellowship hall for a meal, time of visiting and to celebrate Bert’s life. In loving memory of Norbert, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Senior Citizens Center, and mailed to the family at 2113 East 1600th Ave., Wheeler, Illinois 62479.
Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois.
The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Norbert Joseph known as “Bert” was born on June 2, 1931 in Bishop Creek, Illinois the son of Allie and Frances (Hartke) Probst. He married Mary Ann Lidy on June 14, 1952 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on February 1, 2012.
Bert enlisted in the United States Army in 1953. He and Mary Ann reported to White Sands, New Mexico where he worked at the proving grounds for weapon developing and testing. Bert was honorably discharged from his service in 1961. He was a lifelong farmer in Jasper County, first operating a dairy operation that evolved into feeding out beef cattle and running a farrow to finish hog farm. In later years this was replaced by his love of gardening and card playing with family and friends.
Bert was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois, having served as a trustee. He was a member of the Dieterich American Legion Post #628, Effingham Elks, Effingham Knights of Columbus #665 and formerly on the board of directors at Effingham Equity.
Bert is survived by:
3 Children- Bryant “Barney” (Bernice) Probst of Wheeler, Illinois, Lynne (Larry) George of Newton, Illinois and Peggy (David) Stephenson of Cumming, Georgia.
5 Grandchildren Andrea (John) Aggertt of Springfield, Illinois, Dana Probst of Chicago, Illinois, Tamara (Erik) Reeter of Chatham, Illinois, Connor Stephenson of Atlanta, Georgia and Hunter Stephenson of Cumming, Georgia
Greatgrandchildren- Bennett Aggertt, Taylor Aggertt, Gavin Reeter and Levi Reeter
Brother- Melvin (Clarice) Probst
Many nieces and nephews also survive
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and son Dennis Probst, siblings Emma (Frank) Niendick, Verena (Ralph) Koester, Florence Probst, Clarence (Dorothy) Probst, twin sisters Eleanor (Walt) Buening and Luella (Ed) Will, Sisters in-law and Brothers Marcella (Allie) Deters, Dorothy (Lawrence) Niebrugge, Isabelle (Clete) Lustig, James (Anna) Lidy, Jerome (Carrie) Lidy.
