Rev. Mr. William Joseph Greif

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Rev. Mr. William Joseph Greif passed away Sept. 29, 2007, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, at the age of 71 years, 9 months & 23 days. Bill was born Dec. 6, 1935, in Bonne Terre, and was the son of the late Irvin A. "Greasy" Greif (1977); and Catherine A. "Katy" (Lewis) Greif (1980). Also preceding was Bill's Twin-Brother, Robert Eugene "Bob" Greif, in 1987.

Bill worked for the Pet Milk Co. for 10 years before returning to Farmington joining his twin-brother and father in ownership of Suburban Furniture Co. He was a Past Exalted Ruler of Farmington ELKS Lodge #1765; He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus. He was ordained as a Deacon Feb. 1, 1986, at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica. Bill was a past-member of the Farmington Optimist Club. Bill was involved in the following church movements: Marriage Encounter; Returno and Cursillo. He served the parish of St. Joseph in Farmington since his ordination in 1986. He worked in the prison ministry for 10 years at the Farmington Correctional Center. He was an advocate for the marriage tribunal. He assisted with the RCIA Program. Bill made weekly visits to Farmington Presbyterian Manor, taking communion and praying with them. He also made communion calls to shut-ins. Rev. Greif joyously served at the altar in many parish and school activities. He loved his parish family and the babies he baptized, the couples he married and the school children at St. Joseph's. Bill was an avid fisherman and a founding member of the Royal Order of the Red Fish Roudies. Bill was 'Head Chef' of the Grand Champion "Good Greif" competition Bar-B-Q team.

Survivors Include: his wife, Margaret Ann 'Boyer' Greif, of Farmington. 3 Sons: Michael Joseph (& Cynthia) Greif, of Farmington; Mark Thomas (& Amy) Greif, of Louisville, KY; Matthew William (& Kelli) Greif, of Farmington. 1 Sister-In-Law: Norma Jean 'Welker' Greif, of Farmington. 8 Grandchildren: Katy; Kristen; Braden; Miles; Riley; Sydney; Paige & Lindsey Greif. Also surviving are several Nieces and Nephews.

Visitation: Tuesday, 3-9 p.m. Visitation resumes Wed., 7-10:30 a.m.

Rosary: Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass : Wednesday, 11 am, Oct. 3, 2007,

at: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Farmington

with : Fr. James Dyer and Deacon Al Gegg officiating.

Interment : New Calvary Cemetery, Farmington.

Memorials to: * St. Joseph Building Fund &/or School; * The American Heart Association; &/or * The St. Vincent dePaul Food Pantry.