Orville Wildhaber

Orville Charles Wildhaber, Jr., age 93 of Edwardsville, IL, died Monday, October 13, 2025, at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital in O Fallon, IL.

He was born on Saturday, November 28, 1931, in Saint Louis, MO, the son of Orville and Claudine (nee Noeltner) Wildhaber.

On Saturday, November 24, 1956, he married Jean Carol Wildhaber (nee Reilson) at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Marine, IL, who survives.

He was a member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He was also a member of Lion's Club - Marine (Charter Member)3rd Degree of Knights of Columbus, Council #699 - Litchfield, IL, 4th Degree of Knights of Columbus – Highland, IL, and American Legion Post #702 Becker-Reding, Marine, IL.

Orville was born in St. Louis on November 28, 1931, at age 6 months moved to Marine (east of town), at age 15 years move into town. He attended Marine Grade School and Edwardsville High School graduating in 1949. He worked briefly at Marine Garment Factory, Highland Box Board Company, and then went into U.S. Air Force (San Antonio, Newfoundland, and California with 3 1/2 years of service). He started working at Shell Oil Refinery in 1954 and retired in 1990.

He enjoyed woodworking, playing golf, taking flying lessons and boating on Lou Yaeger Lake, Litchfield, IL. He and his wife, Jean, also liked to travel in his camper, all over United States except for the Northwestern part. They wintered in Texas, Florida and Mississippi. They also had been to Europe, Caribbean and Mexico. They moved to Litchfield after purchasing a home there in 1990. Later he moved to Edwardsville in 2018. Orville especially enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include:

• Wife - Jean Carol Wildhaber, Edwardsville, IL
• Son - Gregg C. (Leah) Wildhaber, Marine, IL
• Son - Jay C. (Carla) Wildhaber, Highland, IL
• Daughter - Terri L. Edgcomb, Defiance, MO
• Grandchild - Jeremy R. (Sara) Wildhaber, Edwardsville, IL
• Grandchild - Jessica (Joseph) Fortenberry, Highland, IL
• Grandchild - Jamie R. (Ty) Renko, Highland, IL
• Grandchild - Marc W. (Megan) Wildhaber, Columbia, IL
• Grandchild - Michael B. (Anna) Edgcomb, Chicago, IL
• Great Grandchild - Cali Renko, Highland, IL
• Great Grandchild - Cole Renko, Highland, IL
• Great Grandchild - Lyla Wildhaber, Edwardsville, IL
• Great Grandchild - Brayden Wildhaber, Columbia, IL
• Great Grandchild - Emmett Wildhaber, Edwardsville, IL
• Great Grandchild - Madilyn Wildhaber, Columbia, IL
• Great Grandchild - Wesley Wildhaber, Columbia, IL

He was preceded in death by:

• Father - Orville E. Wildhaber - Died 02/09/1997
• Mother - Claudine F. (nee Noeltner) Wildhaber - Died 10/16/1988
• Son - Bruce Wildhaber - Died 1964
• Great Grandchild - Dylan R. Renko - Died 09/04/2009
• Great Grandchild - Wyatt Wildhaber, died 10/17/2017
• Brother - Robert J. Wildhaber - Died 11/20/2004
• Mother-In-Law – Lucille (nee Smith) Reilson, died 1/14/2005
• Father-In-Law – William Reilson, died 12/16/1982
• Sister-In-Law - Kay Marie (nee Bellm) Wildhaber - Died 10/21/1973

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Funeral Service/Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Marine, IL, with Fr. John P. Beveridge, officiating.

Interment will be at St Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery in Marine, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, St. Elizabeth Catholic Church or Masses.