Born: February 20, 1923 - Deceased: January 17, 2021
Stewart C. “Stew” Wigginton, 97, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, February 20, 1923, in East Saint Louis, IL, passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, IL.
Stew attended the University of Illinois and was a graduate of E. St. Louis Senior High School and Washington University, with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering. He was employed by Mallinckrodt Chemical, McDonnell Douglas/Boeing, and Monsanto Chemical Co. in St. Louis, and was a pioneer in the microelectronics industry, receiving a patent for his innovations.
After retirement, Stew stayed active and joined Masonic Lodge AF&AM #504, the Ainad Brass Band (marching in many parades into his 80’s), delivered Meals on Wheels for SWIC, took continuing education courses, and became an avid golfer. Always the life of the party, Stew had a nickname for everyone and was himself bestowed the moniker of “Petey” for his resemblance to Peter Sellers in his younger years and his sense of humor.
Stew balanced his joy of life by his commitment to his family, church, country, and community. He served in the U.S. Army and in World War I under General Patton, and he was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church. With a yearning to help those less fortunate, Stew was heavily involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society, President of the Particular Council, and St. Philip Church.
Stew was preceded in death by his:
- Wife: Dorothy (Sepiol) Wigginton
- Parents: Wilbur and Elizabeth “Libbie”, nee Maule, Wigginton
- In-laws
- Harry and Josephine Prongue
- Virginia and John Molla
- Brothers and sisters-in-law: Wilber and Amy Ann and Robert and Doris
- Sister: Dorothy Wigginton
- Daughter-in-law: Mary Beth Wigginton
Surviving are his:
- Children
- Roger Wigginton of Belleville, IL
- Laura (Edward) Simunich of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren
- Christopher (Marlene) Wigginton
- Beth (Nick) Gladson
- Angie (Paul) Lyngso
- Great-grandchildren
- Gabe, Jake, and Daniel Wigginton
- Gavin and Chase Gladson
- Lars and Leif Lyngso
- Nieces
- Millie (Chuck, deceased) Hamilton
- Janet (Joe) Whetmore
- Nephew
- Ben (Marilyn, deceased) Wigginton
- Tom (Marla) Wigginton
- Chuck (Lynn) Molla
- Gerhardt (Fran, deceased) Wigginton
- Many great nieces and nephews
- Special cousins
- Bob (Margy) McGlynn
- Judy Mayo
- Devoted friend: Carolyn Gleeson
Special Thanks: The family would like to express sincere appreciation to all the employees of Freeburg Care Center for the loving and caring attention bestowed on Stew the last several years.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Freeburg Care Center, or in the form of Masses.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Covid restrictions will be followed — masks and social distancing are required. Please be respectful of time so as many as possible may pay their respects to the family.
Services: Due to Covid restrictions, a memorial mass and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
2 Comments
Roger, Laura and families
So sorry to read of you Dad’s death. I have a lot of memories of your family from St. Philip. In later years my nephew Bill went to school with Chris. And then when your Dad was at St Pauls I would see him because our Mom was also there. I think they both smiled remembering old days at St Philip. We enjoyed having him and Laura at a few of Moms birthday parties. It is hard when the last parent dies. So sorry this happened so close to Mary’s death. My prayers are with you.
Dear Roger & Laura
My deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. I have fond memories of him and the times he spent with my family for many years. He was always so kind to us all. He always had such a great sense of humor.
Roger, I cannot imagine how devastating it is to lose your father and your dear wife Mary within such a short time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Claudia (Saul) Dickey