Bill Wingerter Sr.

PERRYVILLE — William "Bill" P. Wingerter Sr., 90, of Perryville entered eternal happiness Wednesday, April 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 5, 1933, in Chester, Illinois, to Lenus Henry and Eleanor Braun Wingerter, where he grew up enjoying his family, friends and especially baseball. Bill was recognized as an outstanding pitcher, was drafted by the Cleveland Indians out of high school, and proudly served and excelled on the U.S. Army baseball team.

He met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Hoeckele, in 1951, and they were married Aug. 27, 1955, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Perryville. God blessed them with 68 years of marriage, with Pat faithfully by his side the entire way.

Bill was a compassionate banker and financial officer in Southeast Missouri for decades, and a devoted member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, Knights of Columbus Council 1263 and Fourth Degree assembly 581 in Perryville. Always the person to go to in times of need, Bill championed dozens of efforts to support the broader community, including campaigns to benefit St. Vincent de Paul Schools, Parish, Perry County Memorial Hospital and a host of others. Bill served on countless boards, and was chairman of the annual Seminary Picnic for over 50 years. He also enjoyed golf, music, bridge, pitch and was quite a sports historian.

Survivors include his wife; five daughters, and one son, Mary (Dr. John) Esswein of Perryville, Teresa (Kevin) Corby of St. Louis, Sally (Bill) Delabar of St. Louis, Melissa (Joseph III) Jedlicka of St. Louis, William (Kelly) Wingerter Jr. of Perryville and Rebecca (Christopher) Wecke of St. Louis; brother, Donald (Gerry) Wingerter of Chester; sister-in-law, Peggy Wingerter of Sparta, Illinois; 15 grandchildren, Maria Esswein, Anna (Kenneth) Esswein-Burgess, James (Maggie) Schaeffer, Kevin (Libby) Corby, Audrey (Matt) McCormick, Guillaume (Camille) Delabar, Lieve Delabar, Joseph (Meg) Jedlicka IV, John (Emily) Jedlicka, Allison Jedlicka, Ashlee (Ryan) Wiessing, Brittany (Levi) Gotto, Madison Wingerter, Christopher (Hannah) Wecke and Katie (Matt) Masterson; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara Ann Wingerter; two grandchildren, Gerard Jedlicka and Maria Sara Wingerter; five siblings and their spouses, Robert and Lois Wingerter, James and Agnes "Toots" Wingerter, Mary and Leo Cummins, Margaret and John Morgan and Thomas Wingerter.

Whether serving as Little League coach or umpire, or a leader in the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, Archdiocesan Deanery, or helping anyone in need, Bill always strived to serve others first. Bill exemplified the virtues of integrity, compassion, humility and deep faith in our God. “Papa” will be dearly missed by all who met him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Perryville, and will continue from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the church.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the church, with the Rev. Edward Murphy, CM, and the Rev. Patrick McDevitt, CM, concelebrating. Burial will follow at St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery in Perryville. Graveside military honors will be provided by American Legion Post No. 133 and The Delta Team.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Vincent de Paul Educational Foundation or the Ladies of Charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements provided by Ford and Young Funeral Home.