Josephine Begler

MRS. JAMES (JOSEPHINE) BEGLER Age 93 of Coal City, passed away Wednesday June 1, 2005 at Heritage Manor in Dwight. Born February 16, 1912 in Coal City, Josephine was a daughter of the late John K. and Antonia (Tessar) Vilt. She was raised and educated in Coal City, having graduated with the Coal City High School Class of 1934. After high school Jo worked for her father's store, Vilt's General Store, prior to gaining employment with the Joliet Arsenal, where she worked until 1942. On May 28, 1955, Jo married Jim Begler in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, and they lived their entire married life in Coal City. Together Jo and Jim owned and operated Jo's Steakhouse in Diamond from 1961 until 1982. Jo was very active with the V.F.W. Auxiliary, having served as past president, she was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City and was an avid Chicago Cub's fan. Survivors include her loving husband of 50 years; Jim. One son Ronald (Sandy) Kaiser of Sun City, Arizona, six grandsons, one loving granddaughter Kathleen Kaiser of Saraland, Alabama and three great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including one special niece Sandra Kahler of Wilmington. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Mike Kaiser, one son Wayne, three brothers: Joseph "Tut", Eddie and John and four sisters: Marie, Verny, Antonia and Barbara. A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday June 21, 2005 from 9:00AM until 10:45 AM at Reeves Funeral Home in Coal City. Funeral services will follow with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM in Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City. Rev. Jim Curtain will officate and interment will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Preferred memorials as gifts in Jo's name may be made to the Activities Department at Heritage Manor in Dwight or to the Assumption Catholic Church Building Fund.