obituaries

Wesley Fritzsche

Bethalto |

Wesley "Wes" D. Fritzsche, loving father, grandpa, brother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on February 3, 2025 at Staunton Hospital (Illinois).

Wesley was born on February 23, 1931, in Mt. Olive, son of Selma Eickmeyer Fritzsche.

He married JoAnn Hinthorne on November 4, 1955, in Bunker Hill, and she preceded him in death on June 21, 2008.

Wes served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was employed at Olin Corporation until his retirement. For several years he continued his career as an usher at Busch Stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Dome for the St. Louis Rams. He was also the official "door holder" for Wednesday Zion Lutheran School Chapel. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, where he served as an usher, involved in the Men's Club and sausage supper. Wes enjoyed St. Louis Cardinals, playing Shanghai, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved local sausage suppers and rhubarb pie.

He is survived by a son, Donald (Resa) Fritzsche; and two daghters, Cynthia (Peg) Brown, and Jane (Bryan) McMahon; five grandchildren, Trisha (Nick) Palermo, Tyler Palermo, Amy Fritzsche, Adam (Anna) Fritzsche, and Abby (Jason) McMahon; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Tinley Thomeczek; a sister, Dina Brakenhoff; four brothers, Alvin (special friend Eldegard) Fritzsche, Elmer "Shorty" (Sue) Fritzsche, Marvin (June) Fritzsche, and Jerry (Sherry) Fritzsche; as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the Fritzsche/Hinthorne families.

Wes was preceded in death by his loving wife; two sisters, Lois Sedlak and Vivian "Sissy" Schlecte; and a great-grandchild, Hunter Thomeczek.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 10:30 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, Pastor Kale Hanson and Pastor Brandon Metcalf will officiate.

Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is assisting the family with final arrangements.

A private burial will take place at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran School in Bethalto.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.


Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

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