SPRING VALLEY - Rufus J. Joerger, 87, of Spring Valley, formerly of Mendota, passed away July 6, 2018 at Aperion Care, Spring Valley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 14 at Holy Cross Church, Mendota with Father Peter Pilon officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery with military rites by Mendota VFW Post 4079. Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. on July 14 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

Rufus was born Feb. 12, 1931 in Lindsay, Neb. to Rufus and Leota (Etheridge) Joerger, Sr. He married Irma Winner on May 20, 1950 at Holy Cross Church.

Survivors include his mother, Leota of Mendota; his wife of Spring Valley; two daughters, Sandra Eich of Spring Valley and Cindy (Bill) Engels of Arizona; two sons, Rick Joerger of Wisconsin and Dick (Laurie) Joerger of LaMoille; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Lorraine Etheridge of Mendota.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1985 and one granddaughter, Nicole Hendricks in 2010.

Rufus was a graduate of Mendota High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was employed as a linotype operator at various places throughout Mendota and the surrounding area.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross Church or the Illinois Veterans Home, LaSalle.