Belsheim
O'Fallon attorney Harold Belsheim died Monday night after a long battle against cancer.
Belsheim was founding partner at Belsheim & Bruckert.
His practice focused on municipal law, real estate law, large-tract commercial development and business law.
Belsheim's law partner Terry Bruckert remembered him as a "trusted friend and mentor."
Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Wolfersberger Funeral Home in O'Fallon. A memorial service will be held at 9:30 a.m, on Saturday at First United Methodist Church in O'Fallon.
Belsheim was vice chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Committee.
Jon McClean, chairman of the county GOP organization, lauded Belsheim for the role he played in local politics.
"Harold played a very important role in helping to unite and grow the St. Clair County Republican Party over the past two years," McLean said. "He encouraged business owners and legal professionals to get involved in the local party and help elect conservative candidates to local, state and federal office."
Belsheim's longtime friend, attorney George Ripplinger of Belleville, said the loss will leave "a big hole."
"He was a great friend," Ripplinger said. "We spent a lot of time together over the last 30 years. He represented me; I represented him. We traveled together and played golf together."
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Milton Wharton also remembered Belsheim fondly.
"I always found him to be the consummate gentleman, and also someone who took the legal profession and the practice of law very seriously," Wharton said.
"He was a conservative individual, but I never found him to be over-bearing or inclined to impose his views upon anyone."
St. Clair County Circuit Judge Stephen McGlynn said he thought very highly of Belsheim.
"He was one of those people who felt very strongly about serving the community," McGlynn said. "He didn't want the limelight. He helped other good people bring about change. He will be missed."