BERNARD W. 'BILL' DIEMER, 86 PEORIA - Bernard W. "Bill" Diemer, 86, of Peoria, passed away at 10:17 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2013, at Heartland Healthcare Center - Peoria. Bill was born on June 9, 1927, in Chicago, to Bernard P. and Susan E. (Laibe) Diemer. He married Irene M. Barnhart on March 31, 1950 in Independence, MO. She survives. He is also survived by five sons, Steve (Suzy) Diemer of Peru, IL, John (Cheryl) Diemer of Rockford, Tad (Mary) Diemer of West Des Moines, IA, Rick (Laura) Diemer of Freeport, IL, and Mike (Maria) Diemer of Rockford; twenty-four grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Sue Chandler and Beth Diemer; and one sister, Mary Anne Farris. Bill was a Navy veteran, who served during World War II. He was a 1950 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in mechanical engineering. He later worked for Sundstrand for 28 years. He was an avid Cubs fan. While living in Chicago, he used to skip grade school and sneak into Wrigley Field to watch them. Later in life, he was invited to try out for the Cubs as a pitcher. Bill was a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at St. Philomena Catholic Church. Father David Richardson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with recitation of the Rosary at 4:45 p.m. An additional visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday in Holy Cross Cemetery, Mendota, IL. Pallbearers will his five sons and his grandson, Brady Chandler. Memorials may be made to St. Philomena School. Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon.com.