Lawrence Wuest

Lawrence Edward Wuest, 79, of Belleville, IL, born June 9, 1936, died Saturday, May 7, 2016, at his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. Wuest retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation after 32 years of service.  He was a graduate of Cathedral Grade School and Cathedral High School.  He attended Belleville Area College and Washington University.  Larry was a longtime active member of St. Peter’s Cathedral Parish, a member of the Catholic War Veterans, and a supporter of the Kendall County (IL) Special Olympics.

Larry loved to golf and was able to make five hole-in-ones in his golf career.  He also shot his age numerous times starting in his late sixties.  He was a former member of several golf teams, most recently the Orchards team, and enjoyed working as Orchards Golf Course Marshall, especially for the Tuesday Night Ladies’ League.  Most importantly, Larry was known for being a friendly guy with a sense of humor and a great smile.

Larry was very active with many hobbies, including golf, baseball, football, bridge, bowling, fishing, chess, archery, hunting, and playing around with his grandchildren.  Larry was an avid Cubs fan, as was his grandfather, father, uncle, son, and grandson.  It was God’s plan for Larry to take his last breath as the Cubs had the bases loaded with two outs in the bottom of the 7th when Addison Russell hit a two-run double to take the lead and eventually win the game.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence J. “Lornie” and Ottilia L., nee Blaies, Wuest; and two brothers, Roger F. Wuest and Leslie V. Wuest.

Surviving is his wonderful wife of 50 years, Jeanette Marilyn, nee Schmid, Wuest, whom he married on June 18, 1966.  Larry is also survived by a son, John Wuest of Belleville, IL; three daughters, Lucy, nee Wuest, Ruegsegger and son-in-law, Robert, of Chicago, IL; Laura, nee Wuest, Bennett and son-in-law, Craig, of Dallas Ft. Worth, TX; and Maria, nee Wuest, LaBrier of Quincy, IL.  He was a proud grandfather to Matthew Lawrence, Jennifer, Kathryn and Anna Ruegsegger, Alexander and William Lawrence Bennett, and Jack LaBrier.  Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Shirley Deitz; sister-in-law, Pamela (John) Kramer; and brothers-in-law, Richard (Renee) Schmid and Robert Schmid.  He leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dearest lifelong friends.

Memorials may be made to Notre Dame Academy (formerly Cathedral Grade School), Catholic Urban Programs, or KCSO Family & Friends (Kendall County Special Olympics at www.kcsofamilyandfriends.org).  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful family, friends, and neighbors for their kindness and generosity.  A special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 and from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Thursday, May 12, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral procession will leave at 10:15 a.m. Thursday, May 12, from the funeral home for a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. John Myler officiating.  Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL, at a later date.

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