Robert “Bob” L. Waeltz, 85, of New Athens, IL; born on July 31, 1931 in New Athens, IL; passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Mr. Waeltz was a retired coal miner. He was a 50 plus year member of the Progressive Grange. He was a member of the New Athens Lions Club, a Charter member of the New Athens Historical Society, a trustee of the Marissa Historical and Genealogical Society, President of the East Dutch Hill Cemetery Association and member of the Friends of Zion Church, Inc. Mr..Waeltz served as a past supervisor of the Engelmann Township. Robert was very passionate about history and genealogy. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Gustav and Marie, nee Klinckhardt, Waeltz. Two brothers – Marion Waeltz and Allan Waeltz. His mother-in-law – Delow Fruth. Also preceded in death by a special cousin – Bud Waeltz and dear friend – Walter Skorcz.
Bob is survived by his wife – Lois, nee Fruth, Waeltz. His daughters – Kathleen (Robert) Welker of Mascoutah, IL; Susan (Ken) Voss of Mascoutah, IL; Lorie (Frank) Eby of Aurora, CO. His grandchildren – Carl (Leslie) Welker; Niki (Morgan) Christ; Kari Welker; Brandon (Laura) Voss; Jason (Melissa) Voss; Lindsey (James) DeGroot; Heather (Luke) DeNooy. His great-grandchildren – Delany Welker; Liam Welker; Gavin Christ; Maddie Christ; Tyler Christ; Sarah Voss; Caleb Voss; Sienna Voss; Beau DeGroot; Wesley DeGroot; Walker DeNooy. His father-in-law – Calvin Fruth. Sisters-in-law – Marielle Waeltz; Ruth Waeltz; Linda Petot. Brother-in-law – Craig Fruth. Special cousin – Alice Waeltz. Also survived by his Goddaughter – Allison Knapp.
Pallbearers will be – Brandon Voss; Jason Voss; Ed Martin; Ed Toedte; Ben Petot; Alexander Knapp and honorary pallbearer – Alvin Skorcz.
Memorials may be made to the New Athens Historical Society or the Marissa Historical and Genealogical Society.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Friday, April 14, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m..
Funeral: Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Lukomski officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held in Oakridge Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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Lois, my heart aches for you! I wish I could have come to the viewing, but it didn’t work out. Please accept my sincerest sympathies to you and your family and a huge hug for you!
Karen
Posted by: Karen Hodapp – Waterloo, IL – Friend Apr 17, 2017
ReplyI hunted for elk with Bob for over 25 years. I respected him and learned a lot from him. We ate in tents together many times. Fresh elk liver whenever possible. My favorite guy to be with in elk season.
Posted by: Richard Fell – Englewood, CO – Acquaintance Apr 15, 2017
ReplyDeepest sympathy to the family.sending thoughts and prayers
Posted by: Crystal Crockett – New athens, IL Apr 14, 2017
ReplyWhat a loss! My heart goes out to Lois and all of Bob’s family. Under relationship I wish it had mentor/mentee because that is what Bob was to me. He was a special person that I loved to have conversations with, unfortunately not as many as I would have liked. He will truly be missed with his quick smile, great stories, and spot on advice. New Athens has lost a great son. R.I.P.
Posted by: Bryan Shane Rausch – New Athens, IL – Friend Apr 14, 2017
ReplyLorie
Losing both my parents this last year I only know your sorrow. Peace to your family and prayers for Dad will be passed to our Catholic Church in AZ.
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Stevens – Scottsdale, AZ – Friend Apr 14, 2017
ReplyLois, you have our love and prayers in your hour of need. Bob will be missed greatly, but you will always have the memories that you two have shared. Will be thinking of you and your family.
Posted by: Janice Smith – Walsh, IL – Friend Apr 13, 2017
ReplyLois,
It is with great sorrow that I heard of Bob’s passing. He was always one of my favorite cousins and will be greatly missed.
I doubt that I will be able to come up to pay my respects as my Parkinson’s makes it difficult for me to ride very long, but I will be with you in spirit.
Please extend my condolences to the girls.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne
Posted by: Wayne Klinckhardt – Marble Hill, MO Apr 13, 2017
ReplyMrs. Waeltz and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Bob. He was a true gem…we need more Bob Waeltz’s in this world. Hugs and love as you say goodbye for now.
All our love,
Kelly Rader and Family
Posted by: Kelly Rowold – Valmeyer, IL – Friend Apr 13, 2017
ReplyBrandon and Laura and family, sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
Posted by: David Mitchell – Freeburg, IL Apr 13, 2017
ReplyLois we are so very sorry for your loss! Bob was a very kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Posted by: Terry and Lisa Lamoreaux – Peoria, AZ – Family Apr 12, 2017
ReplyOur deepest condolences to Lois and the entire family. R. I. P. Bob.
Posted by: Terry & Kathy Swyear – New Athens Apr 12, 2017
ReplyLois, Sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you during this difficult time
Posted by: John Thomas – New Baden, IL – Coworker Apr 12, 2017
ReplyI will always thank you for being not just a cousin but a dear dear friend. You and I were pretty close. I remember when you helped me with my genealogy and always told me things you found in New Athens. We really had something in common. I also remember the fun we had at your wedding to Lois.
I felt vey close to the two of you and you will always be in my heart.
Posted by: Annette Isbell – Sebastian, FL – Family Apr 12, 2017
ReplyLois -our sympathy to you and your family. Ken and Sherri
Posted by: sherri wildt – FL – Friend Apr 12, 2017
ReplyBob, You will be missed by all in the family. You have been the go to for family stories and we will miss the stories you told . I will always remember going to the farm and spending time. Love you, Donna.
Posted by: Donna Wortman – Family Apr 12, 2017
ReplyLois. I am so sorry for your Loss. Take care and God be with you
Posted by: ken Fette – Quitman, TX Apr 12, 2017
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Lois. I am so sorry for your Loss. Take care and God be with you
Posted by: ken Fette – Quitman, TX Apr 12, 2017
Bob, You will be missed by all in the family. You have been the go to for family stories and we will miss the stories you told . I will always remember going to the farm and spending time. Love you, Donna.
Posted by: Donna Wortman – Family Apr 12, 2017
Lois -our sympathy to you and your family. Ken and Sherri
Posted by: sherri wildt – FL – Friend Apr 12, 2017
I will always thank you for being not just a cousin but a dear dear friend. You and I were pretty close. I remember when you helped me with my genealogy and always told me things you found in New Athens. We really had something in common. I also remember the fun we had at your wedding to Lois.
I felt vey close to the two of you and you will always be in my heart.
Posted by: Annette Isbell – Sebastian, FL – Family Apr 12, 2017
Lois, Sorry for your loss and my prayers are with you during this difficult time
Posted by: John Thomas – New Baden, IL – Coworker Apr 12, 2017
Our deepest condolences to Lois and the entire family. R. I. P. Bob.
Posted by: Terry & Kathy Swyear – New Athens Apr 12, 2017
Lois we are so very sorry for your loss! Bob was a very kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Posted by: Terry and Lisa Lamoreaux – Peoria, AZ – Family Apr 12, 2017
Brandon and Laura and family, sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
Posted by: David Mitchell – Freeburg, IL Apr 13, 2017
Mrs. Waeltz and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Bob. He was a true gem…we need more Bob Waeltz’s in this world. Hugs and love as you say goodbye for now.
All our love,
Kelly Rader and Family
Posted by: Kelly Rowold – Valmeyer, IL – Friend Apr 13, 2017
Lois,
It is with great sorrow that I heard of Bob’s passing. He was always one of my favorite cousins and will be greatly missed.
I doubt that I will be able to come up to pay my respects as my Parkinson’s makes it difficult for me to ride very long, but I will be with you in spirit.
Please extend my condolences to the girls.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne
Posted by: Wayne Klinckhardt – Marble Hill, MO Apr 13, 2017
Lois, you have our love and prayers in your hour of need. Bob will be missed greatly, but you will always have the memories that you two have shared. Will be thinking of you and your family.
Posted by: Janice Smith – Walsh, IL – Friend Apr 13, 2017
Lorie
Losing both my parents this last year I only know your sorrow. Peace to your family and prayers for Dad will be passed to our Catholic Church in AZ.
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Stevens – Scottsdale, AZ – Friend Apr 14, 2017
What a loss! My heart goes out to Lois and all of Bob’s family. Under relationship I wish it had mentor/mentee because that is what Bob was to me. He was a special person that I loved to have conversations with, unfortunately not as many as I would have liked. He will truly be missed with his quick smile, great stories, and spot on advice. New Athens has lost a great son. R.I.P.
Posted by: Bryan Shane Rausch – New Athens, IL – Friend Apr 14, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the family.sending thoughts and prayers
Posted by: Crystal Crockett – New athens, IL Apr 14, 2017
I hunted for elk with Bob for over 25 years. I respected him and learned a lot from him. We ate in tents together many times. Fresh elk liver whenever possible. My favorite guy to be with in elk season.
Posted by: Richard Fell – Englewood, CO – Acquaintance Apr 15, 2017
Lois, my heart aches for you! I wish I could have come to the viewing, but it didn’t work out. Please accept my sincerest sympathies to you and your family and a huge hug for you!
Karen
Posted by: Karen Hodapp – Waterloo, IL – Friend Apr 17, 2017