obituaries

Russell Wintjen

Kane |

Russell Gene Wintjen Sr., 84, passed away at 5:09 p.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Jersey Community Hospital. 

He was born on July 31, 1938, one of five children born to the late Andrew and Bertha (Cloninger) Wintjen. Gene grew up near Pleasant Hill, but on the weekends you would often find him at the cabin.

Gene was a proud United States Navy Veteran, where he served our Country from September 6, 1956, until his honorable discharge on September 2, 1960.

Gene was a car enthusiast and cherished his beloved Dodge Coronet. Following his marriage to Barbara (Kallal) Bridgeforth on October 23, 1968, the Coronet went by the wayside, but he was blessed with an immediate family of three.

He was employed with Laclede Steel for 27 years, before his retirement in 1994. After retirement, Gene enjoyed spending his time playing pool and cards. Nearly every night, you could find a card or dice game taking place at home, with his family and friends.

Gene also developed a passion for baseball cards – if he had 1, he had over 1500 and he could tell you exactly what was in each stack or box. 

Surviving is his children, Penny (Garry) Powers of Carlinville, Russell “Rusty” (Melanie) Wintjen Jr. of Kane, Robin Giberson of Kane, Debra (Terry Miller) Crain of Jerseyville, Larry (Robin) Bridgeforth of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Dalene Lopez of Jerseyville; along with two nephews and his great nieces and nephew. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; two sisters, Laverne (Darrell)Iler and Erma Cooprider; a brother, Donny Wintjen; 2 nephews; 1 niece; and a great-grandson.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral services at noon, Friday, November 18, 2022, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.

Burial will follow at Kane Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be given to the family in the care of the funeral home.

Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com


Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home

Print Version

Join our mailing list Subscribe to our Daily Update
Contact
200 W. Third Street | Alton, IL 62002
Suite 200
618.465.9850
HOME  |   Advertise With Us  |   Job Opportunities  |   Our Partners  |   Web Design Services  |   Contact US  |   Site Map   |  RSS Feeds  |  Email   |  Privacy Policy