DECATUR — Johann Zeidler, 81, of Decatur, passed away Thursday, November 21, 2014 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Johann was born November 29, 1932 in Konzell, Bavaria. At the age of 19, Johann came to the United States. He left his parents, Johann and Franziska Zeidler, back in Germany as well as all of his brothers and sisters, Anastasia, Alfons, Elizabeth, Josef, Bernadette, Friedrich, Rudolf, Franziska, Clothilde, Wilhelm, Maria, Cecilia, Rosa, and many nieces and nephews.

Johann proudly served for his country in the United States Army in 1955. On December 26, 1959, he married Carolyn A. Mattison and from the union they had three children, Jonathan (Christine) Zeidler, Franziska (Michael) Zeidler, and Jason (Melissa) Zeidler. He was later blessed with five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He was a member of the IBEW Local 146 for 61 years, and a member of St. Patrick Church.

A graveside service to celebrate Johann’s life will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, November 24, 2014 in Graceland Cemetery.

The family of Johann Zeidler is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

In lieu of flowers, buy someone a cup of coffee and share a story with them, and the next time you see something shiny on the sidewalk, stop and pick it up you might be surprised what you find. Always smile at strangers and offer them a friendly handshake, don’t sweat the small stuff (and its ALL small stuff). Live life to the fullest smiling and giggling and enjoying every second of it.

After all that’s what Hanzie would do!

AUF WIEDERSEHEN

Obituary written by family members.