WALTER E. WITTENAUER, 97, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away at 7:15 pm, Friday, August 14, 2026, at Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, Illinois.
He was born to the late Walter F. and Frances (nee Kreher) Wittenauer on September 9, 1928, in Hecker, Illinois.
Walter married Mildred Scherle Wiegard on June 26, 1981, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Red Bud, Illinois; she survives.
Early on, as an entrepreneur, he owned and operated many businesses in Hecker and Red Bud. Starting with the Sinclair Station in the late 40s, Walter owned the one and only service station in Hecker, Illinois. Later on in life, in the late 80s, he owned and operated W.E. Wittenauer Bulldozing and Earth Moving in Hecker, Illinois, where he loved being behind the controls. He was contracted by the Red Bud Jaycees to build the lake and level the ground for the ball diamonds at what is now the Red Bud Sports Complex. In the late 80’s, Walter also owned and operated the Wittenauer Machine Shop in Red Bud, Illinois. Walter had a deep love for farming and the simple satisfaction of working the land.
He was elected to the Waterloo School Board in the late 70s and served for many years. When he wasn’t working, he truly enjoyed hunting deer, raccoons, and coyotes with his furry companions Judy and Elvera. Walter and Mildred truly enjoyed traveling together, visiting all 50 states and even a couple of other countries. You could often find Walter and Millie dancing at Hecker on Saturday nights or playing cards with friends.
He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, Illinois and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Red Bud, Illinois. Walter was also a past member and President of Holy Name at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker, Illinois.
A proud veteran, Walter served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #6632 in Red Bud, where he served as Post Commander and Quartermaster.
Survivors:
Wife:
Mildred Wittenauer Red Bud, IL
1 Daughter:
Carolene (David Kellogg) Wittenauer Columbia, IL
5 Step Children:
Darlene (Gail) Letcher Red Bud, IL
Kathleen (Kerry) Kelley Waterloo, IL
Colleen (Michael Nowak) Beckner Chesterfield, MO
Shirleen (Ed) Schaefer Waterloo, IL
Raeleen (Mark) Neary Red Bud, IL
4 Grandchildren:Patrick (Lauren) McRae, Michael (Sarah) McRae, Matthew McRae and Michele McRae
17 Step Grandchildren: Hilary (Elex) Hobbs, Andrea Letcher, Adam (Caroline) Letcher, Michael (Amy) Letcher, Kraig (Dawn) Kelley, Konnie (Daniel) Schilling, Katie Kelley, Robyn Male, Erin (Kyle) Wood, Matthew Deterding, Carrie (Aaron) Koester, Jamie (James) Ratz, Allen (Kayce) Schaefer, Andy (Carrie) Schaefer, Jessica Neary, James Neary and Janella Neary
3 Great-Grandchildren: Maxwell, Madeline and Isla Skye McRae
24 Step Great-Grandchildren: Zoe and Jacob Hobbs, Michael, Henry and Kate Letcher, Fiona and George Martin, and Kailynne Brooke, Ian and Abigail Kelley, Kassandra, Danika, and Dominick Schilling, Brooklyn Wood, Brayden, Grace, Blake, and Jase Koester, Carson and Shelbie Ratz, Addison and Hudson Schaefer, Luke, Emma and Logan Schaefer
Several Nieces, Nephews, and Friends
Preceded in death by:Parents, 7 Siblings – Rose Marie Wittenauer, Delbert (Gladys) Wittenauer, Clement (Bernice) Wittenauer, Rita (William) Kelley, Sr. Mary Anne Wittenauer, Frances (Willis) Meyer, and Rose Mary (Everette) Livingston, 1 Step Grandson – Kevin Kelley, and 1 Step Great-Granddaughter – Harriet Letcher
Funeral Mass:
10:00 am, Saturday, August 22, 2026
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, Illinois
Officiating:
Fr. Iuvenis Iheme and Msgr. Dennis Schaefer
Interment:
St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery
Red Bud, Illinois
Visitation:
Friday– 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois
Saturday – 9:00 am – 10:00 am
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, Illinois
Memorials:
St. John the Baptist Catholic School, Red Bud, Illinois
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Red Bud, Illinois