Clemence A. Orlet
Clemence “Clem” A. Orlet, 88, of Hecker, died May 9, 2015, in Red Bud.

He was born April 19, 1927, in Prairie Du Long Township, son of the late George and Mathilda Orlet (nee Karban).

He married the former Rita H. Gregson on April 17, 1952, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker; she survives him.

Mr. Orlet was a retired Foundry Worker in Belleville and East St. Louis, and he owned and operated Clem’s Repair Shop in Hecker.

He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Hecker, and V.F.W. Post 6632 in Red Bud. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Survivors include his wife; children Carl (LuAnn) Orlet of Hecker; and Karen (John) Smith of Pinckneyville; grandchildren Collin Smith and elsey Smith; and sister Cecelia Helfrich of Millstadt; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother- and sister-in-law Anthony and Dorothy Orlet, and brother-in-law Emil Helfrich.

Visitation was May 12-13, at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud.

A funeral Mass was celebrated May 13, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Hecker, Father Von C. Deeke officiating.

Interment followed at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery, Hecker.

Memorials may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church or St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.