Shirley J. Wittenauer

Shirley J. Wittenauer, nee Monroe, 89, of Hecker, IL, departed this life December 19, 2024, in St. Louis, MO. She was born May 18, 1935, in E. St. Louis, IL.

She is survived by her children Linda (Bill) Wood, Karen (Kris) Iglehart, Mary Lou Wittenauer, Connie (Bruce) Snyder & David (Cathy) Wittenauer; grandchildren Jenny Blackmon & Ashley (Sean) Guenther, Jesse Rehmer & Jenna (Danny Songer, Jr.) Rehmer, Andrew & Erin Wittenauer, Tyler (Erika) Nevois & Erica (Lane) Huebner, Jade Snyder, great grandchildren Logan,Taylor & Pierce Blackmon, Cael & Garren Guenther, Nora & Nash Nevois, Avery & Quinn Huebner, brother, Dale Dehne; and cousin, Dean (Charlene) Hudson.

She is preceded in death by her husband Urban R. Wittenauer; parents Roscoe Monroe and Evelyn (nee Church) Dehne; granddaughter's husband Frank Blackmon; sister-in-law Bonnie Dehne.

She was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church - Hecker, IL

Shirley, a faith-filled woman, lived a life filled with joy, laughter, and an unwavering love for her family. Not only was she a pillar of strength and wisdom, but she touched the hearts of everyone she met with her gentle spirit and endless generosity.

She attended Waterloo High School for three years, and Red Bud High School for her final year. She recently celebrated her 70th class reunion with lifelong friends, a testament to the deep connections she maintained throughout her life.

At 21 years old, Shirley married the love of her life, and together they built a marriage that would last 63 beautiful years. Along with marriage, they would build a remarkable family, having five kids in twelve years. 

Shirley dedicated herself wholeheartedly to raising her children before embarking on a fulfilling career later in life where she found her passion for handmade artistry; whether it was creating jewelry, designing sweatshirts, baking, making candy, & spending her days in the garden. Shirley had a gift for bringing people together and cherished hosting family gatherings at her beautiful home in Hecker. She expressed herself through music & attended many concerts, and remained active by attending YMCA classes & later enjoyed traveling through the Y. While she was once a member of the Red Bud Auxiliary and Saint Augustine Altar Sodality, in recent years she enjoyed associating with the Shirley’s Club.

Shirley’s life was beautiful exemplification of faith, love, and devotion. Her generous heart will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. While she will be deeply missed, we know her legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest peacefully in the embrace of her Savior.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions to:

American Diabetes Assn. or National Scoliosis Assn.

Visitation:

9 AM to 10:45 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker, IL

Funeral Mass:

11 AM Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker, IL

 Father Linus Umoren C.M. and Father Von Deeke officiating

Interment will immediately follow at St. Augustine Cemetery in Hecker, IL