Willis Raymond Steiger, 84, of Millstadt, died Aug. 19, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by family. He was born Aug. 17, 1940, in Millstadt Township.

He served as transportation director for Millstadt Consolidated School District 160 for 10 years before retiring in 2006, and continued to work as a bus driver until 2022. Willis was an active member of Concordia United Church of Christ in Belleville. He was a member of Columbia Blue Lodge #474 A.F & A.M. for over 50 years, where he served as Worshipful Master. He was also involved with the Scottish Rite, Ainad Shrine Brass Band, and the Rob Morris Chapter of the Eastern Star. Willis was a member of the United Mine Workers, having worked for Peabody Coal Mine for 25 years. He was also a member of Millstadt American Legion Post 502, Millstadt Commercial Club, and Millstadt Sister Cities. Willis was a former co-owner of Happy Days Ice Cream Shop in Millstadt. Although he retired from farming in 2000, he continued to enjoy gardening. After retiring from farming, Willis took up golf and participated in the Thursday Night League at Triple Lakes, where he was in charge of “refreshments.” Willis proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy. He was a hardworking, honest family man.

He is survived by his wife Doris (née Mehrtens). They married on Sept. 24, 1961. Other survivors include their children Joyce Hoeing, Jerry (Linda) Steiger and Janice (Steven) Ceriotti; grandchildren Michelle (Kyle) Bauche, Lauren (Eric) Siciliano, Mark (Stephanie) Steiger, Nicholaus (Katherine) Hoeing, Maria Ceriotti and Dominic Ceriotti; and great-grandchildren Scarlett, Rylan, Sophia, Sutton, and a baby girl on the way. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Virginia Steiger, Charlotte Mehrtens and Shirley Axe, as well as other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Mathilda (née Pfannebecker) Steiger; brothers Wayne, Melvin (Millie), Kenneth (Marlene), Dean (Randy), and Ethan (in infancy) Steiger; son-in-law Michael Hoeing, parents-in-law Raymond and Ida (née Reichert) Mehrtens; and brothers-in-law Donald Mehrtens and Samuel Axe.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Aug. 25, followed by a Masonic service at 7 p.m.; and Aug. 26 from 9-10 a.m. at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Aug. 26 at the funeral home with Pastor Joan Mier officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Concordia United Church of Christ, 7600 State Route 163, Belleville, IL, 62223.

Arrangements are handled by Leesman Funeral Home.