Karl S. Dilger, 96

Karl S. Dilger, 96, of Mariah Hill, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2014 at Scenic Hills Care Center in Ferdinand.

Karl was born October 15, 1917 in Mariah Hill to Edward and Mary (Schum) Dilger.

He married Juliana Wagner on September 3, 1940 in Mary Help of Christians Church in Mariah Hill. She preceded Karl in death on June 15, 1974. Karl married Marie (Bankford) Gaesser on July 19, 1975 in Mary Help of Christians Church.

Karl is survived by his wife, Marie Dilger; three sons, Chester Dilger and wife LuAlice, of Ferdinand, Samuel Dilger and wife LouAlice, of Mariah Hill, and Roger Dilger of Mariah Hill; two daughters, Andrea Wagner and husband Larry, of St. Anthony, and Vicki Keller and husband John, of Mariah Hill; three step-sons, Ray Gaesser and wife Elaine of Corning, IA, Bob Gaesser and wife Ruth of Dale and Larry Gaesser and wife Mona of Gentryville; three step-daughters, Cathy Nolan and husband Mark, of Indianapolis, Linda Droege and husband Gary, of Wadesville, Ind., and Mary Fischer and husband Dan, of Ferdinand; 12 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren also survive.

Karl was preceded in death by a daughter, Justine Schaefer; one step-son, David Gaesser; three brothers, Leonard, Hubert and Richard Dilger; 2 sisters, Amelia Hassfurther and Elnora Wessel.

Karl was a lifelong farmer who also worked in coal mines during the 1930’s. He was a member of Mary Help of Christians Church, Mariah Hill Conservation Club and Mariah Hill YMI.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. CST, Tuesday in Mary Help of Christians Church in Mariah Hill with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 2-8:00 p.m. CST at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. CST until time of service at Mary Help of Christians Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuenralhome.com.