Louis F. Vahling, 77, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2014 at his home in rural Sigel.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lillyville with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday evening at the church, with a 6:30 p.m. parish wake service followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Louis was born February 11, 1937 in Cumberland County, the son of Leo and Emma (Koelsch) Vahling. He married Phyllis Tegeler on October 30, 1982 and she preceded him in death in 1993. On October 4, 2003, he married Carol Hartke and she survives.

Louis was a lifelong farmer, a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lillyville and the Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council #2874. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as farming, playing cards and board games and visiting his neighbors. Louis worked hard all his life and enjoyed every minute of it; he was a dear friend to all who knew him.

Louis is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Richard and daughter, Karen, both of rural Sigel; step-sons, David Hartke of Dieterich and Alan Hartke of Newton; five step-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews also survive.

Louis was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Phyllis and sister, Agnes Haarmann.