CHESTER, Ill. -- Matthew James Bierman, 21 months, of Chester died Monday, Sept. 30, 1996, at his home, following an extended illness.

He was born Dec. 22, 1994, in Chester, son of Gary Ray and Barbara Sue Boettcher Bierman.

Survivors include his parents; two brothers, Clifton and Joshua Bierman; two sisters, Rachel and Jamie Bierman, all of Chester; maternal grandparents, Albert and Heidi Boettcher Jr. of Altenburg, Mo.; and paternal grandparents, Cliff and Irma Bierman of Chester.

Friends may call at Schroeder-McClure Funeral Chapel in Chester from 5-8 p.m. today, and Thursday from 7:30-9:30 a.m., and then at St. John Lutheran Church after 10 a.m. Thursday.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Rev. Mark Willig officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery.