GERALD EDWIN HITZEMANN, 80, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away at 2:11 pm, Thursday, October 1, 2026, at his residence.
He was born to the late Edwin and Esther (nee Salger) Hitzemann on October 9, 1945, in Red Bud, Illinois. Gerald married Bonnie K. Stellhorn on August 9, 1969, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bud (Prairie), Illinois; she preceded him in death on April 22, 2024.
Throughout his life, Gerald was a dedicated worker and farmer. He worked at Snyder General in Red Bud and Wiegmann in Freeburg before finishing his career at TMW in Red Bud, where he started in December 1993 and retired in 2007.
Gerald was a faithful, lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bud (Prairie), Illinois, where he served as a church Elder for many years.
An avid sports fan, he always had ESPN playing on his television. In his younger years, Gerald was an active athlete himself, pitching as a starting pitcher for the V.F.W. Raiders and participating on a local bowling team. He was a passionate supporter of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and the University of Illinois. Above all, Gerald treasured family and sports together—he never missed one of his son’s games and enjoyed watching his grandchildren compete.
Survivors:
2 Sons:
Chris (Beth) Hitzemann Columbia, IL
Andrew (Theresa) Hitzemann Columbia, IL
1 Sister:
Geraldine Eggerding Belleville, IL
2 Sisters-in-law:
Lynnette Stellhorn Red Bud, IL
Lynn (Tom) Hubert Red Bud, IL
4 Grandchildren:
Ella, Evan, Luke, and Georgie Hitzemann
Bonus Grandchildren:
Maddox, Camden, and Quincy
Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends
Preceded in death by: Parents, Wife, 1 Sister-in-law – Becky Stellhorn, 3 Brothers-in-law– John Eggerding, Karl Stellhorn, and Darryl Stellhorn, 2 Nephews – Devin & Derek Stellhorn, and In-Laws – Kenneth and Geneva Stellhorn
Funeral Service:
10:00 am, Tuesday, October 6, 2026
St. John Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Illinois
Officiating:
Rev. Scott Hojnacki
Interment:
Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
Red Bud (Prairie), Illinois
Visitation:
Monday– 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois
Tuesday – 9:00 am – 10:00 am
St. John Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Illinois
Memorials:
Trinity Lutheran Church, Red Bud (Prairie), Illinois