Luke Kitterman

Luke Kitterman of New Memphis, IL departed this life on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. near New Baden, IL. Luke was attempting to rescue his dog Bourbon, who had broken through the ice on a pond while out hunting with friends the day before. He had attained the age of 23 years, 11 months and 5 days.

Luke was born in Belleville, IL on February 22, 2002, the son of Tim and Cori (nee Abrams) Kitterman. Luke attended Okawville Grade School from Kindergarten until 4th grade, and then Immanuel Lutheran School in Okawville from 5th through 8th grade. He then attended Wesclin High School in Trenton, IL.

Luke knew that college wasn’t for him and instead went into the trades. He worked out of Laborers Local 459 in Belleville, often times working with his parents. He then joined the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 520 working out of Granite City, IL.

Luke was an avid outdoorsman. He would have rather been outside than anywhere else. He was an experienced hunter and fisherman, as well as a conservationist and member of Ducks Unlimited. He took great care to ensure that the forests, rivers, and lakes would be protected for future hunters and fishermen to enjoy. Luke also loved boating and hanging out and drinking beer with family and friends. Even though his life was cut short, Luke lived life to the fullest and will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him.

Left to mourn his passing are his parents, Tim Kitterman of New Memphis and Cori Hodges and husband Todd of New Baden; a brother Gabe Kitterman of New Baden and his fiancée Ava Brueggemann; maternal grandmother, Vicky Sprague and husband Brian of Riverton, WY; maternal grandfather, Tom Myron and wife Norma of Tombstone, AZ; uncles and aunts, Rob Abrams of Riverton WY, Ernie Kitterman Jr, and wife Peggy of Freeburg, IL, and Milburn, Hazel, and Adna Kitterman; a step sister, Rylee Bernhardt and husband Brendan; a step brother, Gavin Hodges and the loving Hodges aunts, uncles, and cousins; numerous cousins and a host of friends and hunting buddies; and his beloved hunting companion, Bourbon.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Chad Michael Kitterman; paternal grandparents, Ernie Sr. and Nancy (nee Schmidt) Kitterman; and his maternal grandfather, Scott David Abrams.

In accordance with the wishes of his family, cremation will be performed.

A visitation to celebrate Luke’s life will be held from the Parish Center of St. Barbara’s Catholic Church, located at 305 N. Front St in Okawville, IL on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 4 P.M. until 8 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and will be used to purchase and raise ducklings that will be banded with Luke’s name and family contact information and then released, with hope that in the future that people who come across these ducks will contact the family to learn more about Luke’s life and his love of hunting and conservation.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.campagnafuneralhomes.com.