William Charles Herling, Sr.

William C. Herling, Sr., 93, of Belleville, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at St. Paul’s Senior Community, in Belleville, IL.

He was born on December 30, 1931, in St. Louis, MO, to William C. and Ruth (nee Boeckstiegel) Herling. In 1965 he married the love of his life, Margaret Morton, in St. Louis, MO.

William was a man who lived life with determination, warmth, and a song always in his heart. A proud member of the Moose Lodge Fraternity, he found joy in singing karaoke, especially the timeless songs of Frank Sinatra. Practical and resolute, William carried a strong will that guided him throughout his life, but his deepest devotion was always to his family. He lovingly cared for his youngest son with special needs until the age of 85, a testament to his selfless heart.

Beyond family, William embraced adventure and community. He loved boating on his houseboat, camping with his family and friends, and spending time outdoors where memories were made, and laughter was shared. He earned his private pilot’s license and delighted in the freedom of flying. Dedicated to his hometown, he served proudly as Village Trustee for Washington Park, IL, giving his time and energy to the place he called home.

Above all, William was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, great-great grandfather who treasured his family beyond measure. His life was rich with love, loyalty, and countless stories that will continue to live on through all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 26 years, Margaret Herling; parents, William C. and Ruth Herling; grandchildren, Jennifer Herling, Dustin Wierciszewski, Lacy Farris; siblings, Richard Herling, Raymond Herling, Ruth Adair, George Herling, Jean Haberstroh.

William is survived by his children, William C. (Lynn) Herling, Jr., Richard (Debra) Herling, Wayne (Sandra) Herling, Thomas (Christine Keel) Herling, Michael Herling, Sharon (Stan) Wierciszewski, Linda Herling-Castiller; grandchildren, Ryan (Haley) Herling, Brandon (Mauro) Villaseñor, Richard (Erin) Herling, Jr., Steven Herling, Joseph Herling, Craig (Kristen Bielke) Herling, Scott (Jodi Gregson) Herling, Amanda (Joe) Dressler, Traci (Neale Chumbler) Cihon, Joseph (Sara Weinkauf) Cihon, Cindy (Chris) Garcia, Jessica (Mike) Arro, Larry McCann, Brandon Wierciszewski, Crystal (Dainius) Milingis, Zachary Castiller, Justin Castiller; sister, Mary Ann (James) Smith; many great-grandchildren, great-greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many loving friends.

Visitation: Friday, September 26, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, in Collinsville, IL.

Clergy: Pastor Ron Habermehl

Interment: Lakeview Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.