Norbert J. Wittenauer, 94, of Hecker, died Sept. 16, 2017, at New Athens Home for the Aged. 

He was born Dec. 29, 1922, in Prairie du Long, son of the late Harry and Flora Wittenauer (nee Klein).

Norbert was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish in Hecker his entire life, and attended many retreats at King’s House. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, Monroe County Farm Bureau, Monroe County Pork Producers, and St. Augustine Cemetery Board. 

He was a lifelong farmer in Monroe County, enjoyed hunting, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

He is survived by his wife Ruth  E. Wittenauer (nee Kern-Neary); children June (Kenneth) Valentine, Mark (Raeleen) Neary, Linda (Wayne) Sutterer, Lois (Tony) Lebert, Marvin (Staci) Wittenauer, and Theresa (Don) Gorin; grandchildren Christine (Doug) Rogers, Jessica Neary, James Neary, Janella Neary, Katelyn Sutterer, Kyle Sutterer, John Lebert, Megan Lebert, Alex Wittenauer, Joshua Wittenauer, Benjamin Gorin, Henry Gorin, and Ryan Gorin; sister Leona Englerth; brother Urban (Shirley) Wittenauer; sister-in-law Isabelle Wittenauer; in-laws Jerome (Eileen) Kern, Kenneth Kern, Mary (Jim) Kincaid, Dwight (Patty) Kern, and Louis (Sharon) Kern; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Henry Wittenauer and Mark Wittenauer, and sisters Margaret Neff and Rita Wittenauer.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the care and compassion provided by the staff at the New Athens Home for the Aged.

Visitation was Sept. 19, at Quernheim Funeral Home; and Sept. 20, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, Hecker.

A funeral Mass was Sept. 20, at the church, Father Von Deeke officiating.

Interment followed at St. Augustine Cemetery, Hecker.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to St. Augustine  of Canterbury Catholic Church, Gibault Catholic High School or New Athens Home for the Aged Auxiliary.