William E. Stuemke, Jr.

William E. Stuemke Jr., 86, of Springfield, passed away on Sunday February 14, 2016 at St. John’s Hospital. He was born on November 13, 1929 in Springfield to William Edwin and Helen Virginia Warfield Stuemke. William married Betty J. Barnett on July 22, 1967 in Springfield and she survives.

Mr. Stuemke is also survived by two daughters: Debbie K. Whitmore of Edinburg, and Barbara J. Wheatley of Springfield, two sons: William “Ed” Stuemke III of Williamsville and Glenn E. “Butch” Tuxhorn Jr., of Springfield, nine grandchildren: Danny, Scooter, Nate, Tony, Christopher, Charlie, Brittni "Baby Cakes," JD and Stevi and several great-grandchildren, 1 brother Richard M. (Dawn) Stuemke, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Jessica Wheatley.

William was a US Army Veteran and worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a highway maintainer. He was a 32 Degree Mason and member of Tyrian Lodge #333 AF & AM, ANSAR Shrine, the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as a Past Patron, and the Masonic Knights Templar where he served as a Past Commander. He loved his dogs Ginger, Toy, and Tag II, and he was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30pm on Thursday February 18, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2477 West Washington Street, with burial to follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 11:00am until the time of funeral service Thursday at St. John’s Lutheran. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children and please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com.