Gene Wittry Obituary
Eugene (Gene) Wittry died at OSF in Peoria, IL, after complications from surgery, on June 23, 2023 at the age of 91.
He was born and raised in Aurora, IL to Albert A. and Margaret E. (Kneipper) Wittry. He married Nancy A. Link on October 2, 1954 in Elgin, IL and together they raised their family. He served in the U.S. Army for three years as a Russian language interpreter, stationed in Kyoto, Japan. Gene received a BA in Mathematics from St. Procopius College (now Benedictine University) and a MA in Engineering Administration from Bradley University. Following, Gene had a 33 year career at Caterpillar Tractor, Inc. building global information systems, retiring in 1990.
Gene dedicated much of his life to serving others. He was involved in, and led, numerous causes and charities over the years. He served as the first president of the Parish Council of St. Philomena Parish, and, later, as a trustee. He was an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, including for the Buehler Christian Home, where he has been a resident for the past eleven years.
Gene and his wife, Nancy, served as joint presidents of the Spalding Institute Parent Teachers Association. He also served on a number of boards including, Peoria Cemetery Association, Peoria Catholic High Schools, South Side Office of Concern, the Peoria Election Commissions and the Illinois State Board of Election Commissions. Gene and his wife, Nancy, received the Peoria Dioceses' Pierre Marquette award for their many contributions in 2002.
Gene served as an adjunct professor of Information Management for Bradley University for many years, and he authored two textbooks which he used as the basis for the course instruction.
Gene and his wife were very active in competitive swimming at the Peoria and Illinois levels in support of their children and their teams. They were dedicated fans and volunteers who could be seen on the deck and stands of every pool where their children competed.
During his working years, Gene taught himself to needlepoint as a way to relax after work. He created his own canvases and sewed many large scale pieces of art, including two masterpieces hanging at the front of St. Philomena Catholic Church.
Upon retirement, Gene became interested in genealogy, tracing his family's roots to the 17th century, writing three books on what he had uncovered. He created a family newsletter and connected family across the world as a result. This research allowed 13 of the immediate family, including Gene, to receive citizenship in Luxembourg. Gene received his passport this past October and his first official stamp as he left the country.
Gene and Nancy spent their retirement traveling all parts of the globe, by themselves, with their best friends and with their family. As any writer is wont to do, Gene authored a European travel book that was published and sold on Amazon.
When not in Peoria at Buehler home, Gene and Nancy spent half of each year in their southern paradise on Anna Maria Island where they were fortunate to build a community of great and supportive friends.
He was loved by all who met him, the original "most interesting man". He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Survivors include their five children: Steve (Kathy Burke) Wittry of Gainesville, GA, Mark (Robyn Marsek) Wittry of St. Louis, MO, Mary Beth Wittry of St. Louis, MO, Phil (Kelly Moore) Wittry of Cincinnati, OH and Susie (Jeff) Rashid of Holmes Beach, FL. They are also survived by six grandchildren: Eric (Stephanie Hood) Wittry and their daughter Aila Jo; Shanna (Tim) Malone and their children Madison, Connor and Jackson; Jenny (Chris) Robertson and their sons James and John; Evan (Kristin Ingram) Wittry and their children Ava and Wade; Andy Wittry and Gretchen Wittry.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, David, Shirley and Urban.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023 at St. Philomena Church in Peoria, IL at 10:30 AM with visitation being held one hour prior to Mass. Father David Richardson will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, the St. Philomena Endowment Fund or to Buehler Christian Home.
Memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441).
