Edward T. Billhartz

Edward T. Billhartz, 83, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, March 1, 1925, in Damiansville, IL, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at his residence.

Mr. Billhartz was a retired plumber for 55 years for Local 101. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, men's choir, usher, past president of Holy Name Society, worked picnics and fish fry's and established bingo weekly all at the church. He was a 3rd degree life honorary member of Knights of Columbus 1028 and the Caseyville Senior Center. Ed was an avid horse shoe and pool player and enjoyed golf. Ed loved and missed his wife Lou dearly and he adored his two daughters, Geralyn and Sue. He enjoyed giving swing, wagon and piggy-back rides to his children, grandchildren and to his great grandsons, Caleb and Cole. Ed will always be remembered as one of the greatest storytellers.

He is preceded in death by:

  • Wife: Lucille A. Billhartz
  • Parents: Edward and Clara nee Kniepmann Billhartz
  • Sister: Mary Usselmann
  • Brothers-in-law
    • Elmer Strieker
    • Edmond Eilerman
  • Sisters-in-law
    • Pauline Lampe
    • Tillie Leonard
    • Frances Langenhorst
    • Eleanor Hagenhoff
    • Estelle Bonzcek
He is survived by:
  • Daughters
    • Geralyn (Brian) Spacher of Freeburg, IL
    • Sue (Rick) Orelt of Millstadt, IL
  • Brothers
    • Jim (Rita) Billhartz of Belleville, IL
    • Louis (Ruth) Billhartz of Belleville, IL
    • Maurice Billhartz of New Baden, IL
    • Leroy (Phyllis) Billhartz of Albers, IL
  • Sisters
    • Evelyn Strieker of Belleville, IL
    • Dorothy (Urban) Behrmann of Albers, IL
    • Carol (Dave) Demarias of Oak Park, IL
  • Grandchildren
    • Brian (Megan) Spacher II
    • Bobby (Val) Spacher
    • Lindsey Orelt (Mike Whetstone)
  • Great Grandchildren
    • Caleb Spacher
    • Cole Spacher
    • Rylei Layne Whetstone to be born April 10th
  • Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law
    • Louis Usselmann of Belleville, IL
    • Herb (Doris) Eilermann of Highland, IL
    • Arnold (Jeanette) Eilermann of St. Louis, MO
Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 P.M., Friday, February 20, 2009 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL. A prayer service will be held at 6pm.

Funeral: A funeral procession will leave from Kurrus Funeral Home at 9:45am, Saturday, February 21, 2009 for a 10:00 am mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with Father Matthew Elie officiating. Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.