-- — Herbert G. Moenter, 96, Batesville, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at The Waters of Batesville.

Born May 26, 1916, in Batesville, he was the son of Marie (Weglage) and Bernard Moenter. He married Thelma June Wernke June 30, 1945, at St. Louis Catholic Church, and they celebrated their 67th anniversary this past June.

He worked for Batesville Casket Co., New York Central Railroad, Steinkamp’s and Batesville Home Outfitters before retiring in 1980. After retirement, he operated Tri-County Rental. He was a member of the Knights of St. John, a longtime Junior Achievement adviser and served 12 years as clerk-treasurer for the city of Batesville.

Herb’s passion was music. He gave unselfishly of his time over the years to provide beautiful music for church services as a member of the St. Louis Choir for 55 years and civic events as well, including leading the community in singing the “national anthem and “My Country Tis of Thee” at the annual Memorial Day celebrations for 30 years. He was also a member of the Eureka Band, playing bass drum and cymbals for 28 years. Herb, along with his sons Ron on saxophone and Eric on drums, formed the Herb Moenter Combo, playing hot little numbers for numerous weddings and dances throughout the area for 10 years. The boys remember their first gig being a dance at the Knights of St. John hall. Holidays and family gatherings always included Herb on piano and everyone joining in good old-fashioned sing-alongs.

After retiring, he began tuning and repairing pianos and continued to perform for civic and social gatherings. He passed his love of the piano and music on to local youngsters by giving piano lessons. In 2001, he recorded 22 of his favorite piano songs on a CD titled “Hometown Music Man,” and the family used the proceeds to help establish the June and Herb Moenter Music Scholarship Fund, which provides music scholarships annually to eighth-grade graduates who attend Oldenburg Academy.

He is survived by his wife, June; daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Jeff Moorman, Avon; sons and daughters-in-law Ron and Debbie Moenter, Shelbyville, Eric and Kim Moenter and Keith and Christy Moenter, Batesville, and Kurt Moenter, Beech Grove; sister-in-law Roumilda Moenter; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Leona Erhardt and Helen Hirt and brothers Ed, Bill and Ray Moenter.

Visitation is Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 4-7 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at St. Louis Catholic Church with Herb’s nephew, the Rev. Alan Hirt, OFM, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family requests memorials to the June and Herb Moenter Music Scholarship Fund or Batesville Beautification League.