Boniface W. Biethman

BONIFACE “BONNIE” W. BIETHMAN, 96, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Oak Hill, Waterloo, Illinois.

He was born to the late Albert and Mabel (nee Kennedy) Biethman on December 4, 1929, in rural Evansville, Illinois.

Bonnie proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he was an active member of the American Legion Post #622 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, for 61 years.

Bonnie worked in the telephone industry for 36 years with roles in accounting and management. He began his career with Western Electric in St. Louis, Missouri, and retired from AT&T’s Denver, Colorado, office in 1988.

Bonnie enjoyed a lengthy retirement in his country home, observing nature and manicuring his lawn. He enjoyed playing cards, solving crossword puzzles, and listening to classic country music. Patsy Cline and Marty Robbins were favorites. In his early retirement years, he loved to walk the woods in the spring, looking for morel mushrooms with his brother Kenny.

Bonnie was blessed with a large and loving family that he was proud of. He enjoyed conversation, laughter, and the camaraderie of family, friends, and neighbors at the local bar. Bonnie had a gift for making people feel welcome and was known for his easy smile.

Survivors:

5 Children:

   John (Beth) Biethman  San Marcos, CA

  Jeff (Janis) Biethman  Red Bud, IL

  Jason (Lara) Biethman  Lebanon, IL

  Jared (Sherri) Biethman  Eagle, ID

  Jenifer (Billy) Ellner  Columbia, IL

11 Grandchildren:

 Derek Biethman, Blake Biethman, Tyler (Andrea) Biethman, Olivia (Jeff) Pratt, Logan Biethman, Ashlyn Biethman, Carson Biethman, Parker (Emily)  Biethman, Madison Biethman, Colby Biethman, and Liam Ellner

6 Great Grandchildren: 

 Violet, Chloe, and Scout Biethman

 Skip, Warner, and Polly Pratt

1 Brother:

   James (Linda) Biethman  Prairie du Rocher, IL

1 Sister-in-law:

   Ricky Biethman  Lenzberg, IL

Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends

Preceded in death by: Parents, 4 Sisters – Betty Fink, Frances Wittenborn, Nathalie Phegley, and Mary Walls, 1 Brother – Kenneth Biethman, 1 Sister-in-law – Pearl Biethman, and 4 Brothers-in-law – Frenchie Fink, Gene Wittenborn, Kenneth Phegley, and Tom Walls.

Funeral Service:

   10:00 am, Monday, January 12, 2026

  Pechacek Funeral Homes Red Bud, Illinois

Officiating:

   Fr. Iuvenis Iheme

Interment:

   St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery

   Evansville, Illinois

Visitation:

   Sunday – 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

   Monday – 9:00 am – 10:00 am

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

Memorials:

  Vitas Hospice

  American Legion Post #622 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois