Obituary EAST PEORIA-LaVerne "Lou" M. Hersemann, 76, of East Peoria, IL died at 7:25 pm Friday, March 4, 2011 at Greater Peoria Specialty Hospital in Peoria, IL. Born on September 26, 1934 in East Peoria, IL to Elmer and Anita Leuallen Hersemann, he married Helen A. Rathman in 1956 in East Peoria. He later married Nettie R. Holt on November 7, 1969 in Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are his daughter, Deidra (Mancel) Williams, son, Kevin R. Hersemann, both of Versailles, MO; and daughter, Helen A. (Bob) Bennett, of MD; stepdaughter, Donna (Larry) Bruell and stepson, Danny (Delores) Holt, both of East Peoria, IL; 2 brothers, Elwood (Carrie) Hersemann and Kenneth (Donna) Hersemann, both of Springfield, IL; numerous Grand and Step-Grand Children and Great and Step-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Lou served in the US Navy Reserves from 1951 to 1959. He graduated from East Peoria High School. He graduated from the Tool Design Program at Caterpillar in 1960, and worked as a tool designer for 38 years, retiring in 1990. Until his health prevented him from doing so, Lou enjoyed golfing, fishing and camping with his friends. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal, Illini basketball, and Chicago Bears fan. Despite two kidney transplants and years of health problems, Lou was known by his friends and family for his positive attitude and smiling disposition! He was a member of Richland Baptist Church in East Peoria, and more recently Washington First Baptist Church in Washington, and over 40 years with T.P.A. of America. Funeral services will be at 2 pm Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in East Peoria. Pastor Gary England and Pastor Jim Nelson will officiate. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to services at the funeral home. Graveside services and burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.