Gerald Edwin Hitzemann

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