James R. Bauernfeind

James R. Bauernfeind, 86, of Pekin, passed way at 4:35 pm Sunday, July 12, 2009 at Hallmark Nursing Center in Pekin surrounded by his family. He was born on January 2, 1923, in Dorchester, Wisconsin to Joseph and Helen Eichinger Bauernfeind. He married Dolores V. Heintz on January 2, 1947, in Bakerville, Wisconsin.She survives. Also surviving are; one son, Brian J. (and Kathy) Bauernfeind of Pekin; two granddaughters, Dr. Jennifer (and Dr. Ky) Newell of Lincoln, Nebraska. and Kara (and Derek) Vestal of Pekin; three great grandchildren, Madison Vestal, Campbell Newell and Callaway Newell; one brother, Louis Bauernfeind of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa; and one sister Catherine Iaccino of North Lake, IL. He is preceded in death by six brothers and 2 sisters He was an Army veteran of WWII serving with the 178th Ordinance Depot Company from March 3, 1943, to Dec. 6, 1945.The 178th landed on Omaha Beach on June 7, 1944, and captured three German spies for which they received a Presidential Citation.He was stationed in the European theater from November 20, 1943, to November 21, 1945. He participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns.He was a member of the American Legion William Shafer Post 44 and Pekin Moose lodge 916. He was an Operator for R.A. Cullinan & Sons of Tremont for 28, years retiring in January 1987.He then worked as a courtesy driver for Velde Ford in Pekin until 2004. Jim was one of the original organizers of the Biddy Basketball program and the St. Joseph School Football League.He was past president of the Little League, Pony League and Colt League baseball programs and he coached for many years.He was active with the American Legion Baseball League and was an umpire for baseball and softball leagues in the Pekin area for many years. Jim was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his favorite pastimes was writing letters to the editor. Jim's P.S. - Italo Rossi Sr. helped Jim coach little league football at St. Joseph's. When Italo told the kids something they listened.