Junior E. Fleer
Junior E. Fleer, age 95, of Quincy, died on Monday, November 21, 2022 in the Illinois Veterans Home. He was born on March 21, 1927 in Quincy, the son of Earl & Sophie (Schaeffer) Fleer. He married Emma Berndanner on January 25, 1947. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2015.
Junior was a navy veteran of World War II and served aboard the USS Pandera. He was happy to have been able to participate in a Great River Honor Flight in recent years. Junior was a Plaster contractor in the Quincy area for over 60 years, working well into his 80’s. He was extremely proud of his work and one of his largest projects: the ornate ceiling of the Junior High School Auditorium. Junior was a member of the South Side Boat Club for more than 65 years and at one time was the longest continual member. He loved to fish and to hunt and loved spending his time at his river camp, which he built himself. His family and long time friends knew Junior by his nickname, ‘Booze’ Fleer.
In recent years, Junior made his daily rounds around Quincy. He usually stopped by the Maid Rite, the Coach House and KFC on almost a daily basis. The great people at these (and other stops he made) always looked out for Junior.
Junior family includes: CHILDREN: Steven Fleer and his late wife Ida Fleer, Martin Fleer and his wife Vicky and Nancy Harris and her husband Mike.
Also are Steven’s companion Linda Dietrich, grandchildren Brian Fleer, Jason (Danielle) Fleer, Stacy (An) Cao, Bridget (Lance) Ormand, Kyle Fleer, Amber (Willie Tuter) Martin, Brandon Reese and Jordon (Kristen) Harris.
Great-grandchildren Morgan, Jacob, Lilly, Connor, Emma, Camdyn, Braxton, Charli, Tatum, Carter, Brynley and Braylynn.
A Sister Milicent Fleer, a sister-in-law Beverly (Lowell) Peters, a special friend of the family Jean, along with nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Graveside services will be held on Monday, November 28, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Greenmount Cemetery. Military rites to be conducted at the cemetery by the Navy Honors Detail and the American Legion Post #37. There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the graveside services. Following the graveside services, a luncheon for immediate family will be held and then an open house to the public from 3:00 pm until 6:00 PM will be held at the Quincy Boat Club. Memorials may be made to Trinity UCC or to the Great River Honor Flight. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
My condolences to all who knew and loved Jr. It was always a joy to have him in our Worship Services at IVHQ.
Dear Family members,
The skylights in The Patio restaurant remain and they were the work or Junior and Bob Rottmann. Every time someone talks about how unique they still are we remind them that they were done by these two men many, many years ago. Susan Rottmann Wentura, Bob’s daughter, is our daughter-in-law.
Sooo sorry for your loss. It seems like he had a great life and lived it to the fullest
So sorry to hear about Booze’s passing. He was my dad’s best friend. This Thanksgiving our son Mike was reminiscing about fishing with Booze and grandpa Kroencke. Loved fishing at Mark Twain Lake and catching their limit at the 45 degree angle tree. Sending our love to his family.
To Steve, Marty and Nancy,
You have my Deepest Sympathy.
Him and your Mom were great friends We had a lot of good times together.
God Bless and Love,
Wanda O’Hara
Worked along side Junior and Bob Rottman on quite a few projects. True artists to their craft from the greatest generation. Rest in Peace Junior!