Lanark, IL George A. Spoerlein, age 72, of rural Lanark died Thursday, November 03, 2011 at home. George was born March 30, 1939, the son of Walter and Mary (Hertel) Spoerlein. He married Carol Peterson on November 20, 1965 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Heartland, IL. George was a member of St. Wendelin's Catholic Church in Shannon, IL, where he was a charter member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, Council 12841. He served in the United States Army for two years. He enjoyed farming, which he did all his life, and took pride in raising pigs. He began farming with Allis Chalmers Tractors and later joined the Green Machine. George greatly enjoyed his grandchildren, especially driving around the farm with his gator. He was a simple man who loved his family and farming. George is survived by his wife Carol; daughters Susan (Jeff) Brown of Lockport, IL and Becky (Ron) Nelson of Bloomington, IL; sons Bill Spoerlein of Lanark and Jim (Kathy) Spoerlein also of Lanark; sister Theresa (Earl) Pankonin of Freeport, IL; brother Ken (Katie) Spoerlein of Poplar Grove, IL; and seven grandchildren: Jessica, Allison, and Kyle Brown; Brieann and Jonathan Spoerlein; and Olivia and Elizabeth Nelson. He is preceded in death by his parents. A visitation will be held Tuesday November 8, 2011 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Scripture Service at 7:00PM, at the Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon, IL. The funeral service will be Wednesday November 9, 2011 at St. Wendelin's Catholic Church in Shannon, beginning at 10:00 AM, Father Michael Bolger presiding. Burial will take place at the Lanark Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for the Food Pantry and Mercy Hospice of Clinton, IA. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hermannfuneralhome.com