John LeRoy Bitzer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather (“gee-pa”) passed away at the age of 70 on July 14, 2023, at his home in Collinsville, Illinois.
A native of Shelbyville, Illinois, John grew up as one of six siblings. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1970 where he excelled in academics, sports, and holds an Illinois state track record…for an event that may or may not still exist (which means he can never be beaten!).
John graduated from the University of Illinois in 1974 with a degree in Psychology. In college, he followed his father’s footsteps, becoming a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and served as Chief Illiniwek, the symbol of the University of Illinois. He held the position for all four years. Each year at the University’s Dad’s Day, John and his father performed together at Memorial Stadium. John and his father were the only father-son duo to both serve as Chief Illiniwek. As Chief, John also led the international Rotary Convention Parade in San Francisco and danced at Candlestick Park. It was at the University of Illinois that John met his wife, Mary Ann, and many lifelong Beta brothers and friends. John and Mary Ann were married for 44 wonderful years and together for 50 years.
Upon graduation, John backpacked Europe with his brother Jim before attending John Marshall Law School where he graduated with his Juris Doctor in 1979. John and Mary Ann were married in Olympia Fields, Illinois that same year. He began practicing Law in Collinsville with Dunham, Bowman, and Leskera where he was a Partner until he opened his own practice, The Bitzer Law Firm, in 2008. He retired in 2021 after 42 years.
As a Collinsvillian, John was active in the community. He was the Chairman of the Board at The Gateway Center, a member of the Optimist Club, The Rotary Club, and the Jaycees. He was a Parishioner at Saints Peter and Paul where he also coached the class of 2001 girls’ basketball team.
Above all, John loved and cherished the life he had with his wife and three kids, Katie, Kelly, and Bobby. They spent summers at Gaslight Pool and Lake Shelbyville where he was part owner of Lithia Springs Marina. He was known for his barefoot waterskiing skills and whiplash inducing boat tube rides. He took his family on many trips to Giant City with friends and families. He loved music and traveling and had been around the world with Mary Ann, including a recent trip to Tahiti just a few months ago.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marilyn Bitzer, and brother, Jim Bitzer.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Bitzer; daughters, Katie Bitzer, Kelly Schneider (Tyler Schneider); son, Robert Bitzer (Sarah Crafton); and his granddaughters, June and Goldie Schneider. His sisters, Nancy Cruitt (David), Ann Kiley (Mike), Sarah Bitzer; brothers, David (Kathy), Donald (Judy); and 36 nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Services will be held on Friday, July 21, 2023 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL. Visitation 3:00-6:00 PM. Service at 6:00 PM.
Memorials are suggested to the care of Mary Ann Bitzer and charity foundation will be decided at a later date.
John lived his life to the fullest. As one of John’s favorite singers, Neil Young, said “It’s better to burn out than fade away.” He is loved by many and will forever be missed.