John F. Dersch

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July 29, 2012

John F. Dersch

Anonymous ---- The Tribune Star Sun Jul 29, 2012, 05:09 AM EDT

TERRE HAUTE — John Frederick Dersch, 92, of Terre Haute, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2012, in Union Hospital. He was born on Sept. 1, 1919, in Terre Haute, the youngest son of John Christian Dersch and Lillie Ellen (LaFollette) Dersch. While growing up on 6th Avenue, he attended Deming Elementary, McLean Jr. High and Gerstmeyer “Tech” High School.

At about 10 years of age, John gave his heart to Jesus Christ, answering the call of God when his Sunday School teacher spoke one Sunday evening at the Church of God then located at 14th and 3rd Avenue in Terre Haute. This experience made a profound impression on him and was the beginning of his life-long commitment to Christian service.

In 1934 John and a friend attended an outdoor tent revival that was being held by the Rev. Howard Courtney at the corner of 13th and Elm streets in Terre Haute. While sitting on the front row, the Rev. Howard Courtney asked the boys if they would like to sing in the choir and they accepted the invitation right away. This is where he first met his future wife, Eileen Campbell, who also sang in the choir. When the group was organized as a chartered Foursquare Gospel Church in June 1934, John and Eileen were charter members. John and Eileen were married on Oct. 5, 1941.

John was employed by Postal Telegraph-Cable Company in 1936 as a messenger boy, and also served as a cashier, bookkeeper and teletype operator until he entered into the Army Air Corps in July 1943. During World War II, John served in the European Theatre of Operations with the 15th Air Force, 464th Bomb Group, 777th Squadron, as a crew member (nose gunner) on a B-24 Liberator bomber, based at Pantanella Air Base near Naples, Italy. After 50 missions he returned to civilian life in July 1945. The following month he was employed by Citizens Independent Telephone Company in Terre Haute as the supervisor of business office operations until his retirement from General Telephone Company on Oct. 1, 1982.

During his business career he was a member of the Jaycees and the noon Optimist Club in Terre Haute, serving as president of the Club from 1962 to 1963. He also served on Mayor Ralph Tucker’s Civic Advisory Committee, Postmaster Frank Miklozek’s Industry Committee, and Huston Izaak’s Industrial Training Committee.

John was a member of William Penn Masonic Lodge 727, Free and Accepted Masons (3rd degree) and Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute (32nd degree). He also was a member of Terre Haute Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972. John attended Victory Christian Center and loved to play bingo at McDonald’s and West Terre Haute Senior Citizens Center.

John is survived by his son, John Earl Dersch (Linda), DeKalb, Ill.; grandson, C. Edward Dersch (Stephanie), Manteno, Ill.; grandson, Brian Dersch (Antonette), San Diego; granddaughter, Amy Dersch, Sycamore, Ill.; four great-grandchildren, Abigail, Gabrielle, Madeline and Natalie Dersch, Manteno.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen, on Dec. 17, 2002.

Visitation will be at DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E. Springhill Drive, on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, from 4 until 8 p.m with a Masonic memorial service conducted by William Penn Lodge 727 F. & A.M. Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dennis Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by Lawton-Byrum Post 972 VFW..

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be given to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at: www.debaunfuneralhomes.com

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