Bernard "Bud" Gillitzer

1943 - 2025

Bernard "Bud" Gillitzer

June 29, 1943 - October 1, 2025

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Bernard C. "Bud" Gillitzer, 82, of Bettendorf, Iowa, will be held at 12:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport, Iowa, with luncheon to follow at the church. Visitation will be from 11 a.m., until time of services Tuesday, at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hills & Dales in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mr. Gillitzer passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, assisted the family.

Bernard was born June 29, 1943, in Prairie du Chien, Wisc., the oldest of 16 children born to Bernard A. and Marcella M. (Jaynes) Gillitzer. He grew up on a dairy farm and from an early age he carried the strength, work ethic, and responsibility that would guide his life. He was united in marriage to Joan Kastel on December 1, 1962, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Prairie du Chien. Together they shared 53 years of marriage when she passed on April 6, 2016.

Bud was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he served proudly as an infantry combat veteran. He also served with the 61st H.E.M. and took on many roles in the military, including cook, barber, and Military Police officer. He was recognized as an expert marksman. He survived exposure to Agent Orange and carried with him the lasting impact of his service.

After returning home, Bud continued to build a life of service and skill. He completed a four year dual apprenticeship in electrical and instrumentation, beginning his career as a boiler tender with the former Iowa Illinois Gas & Electric Co. He later went on to work for 25 years at John Deere Davenport Works, where he built a lasting career before retiring as an energy coordinator. Along with his wife, Joan, they ran B & J Crafts for 17 years.

Outside of work, he enjoyed playing blackjack, following the stock market, and hunting. He was a man of faith, whose strength and values guided his family and made him a role model. To his children, he was a great dad; to his grandchildren, he was a proud and loving papa.

Survivors include his children, Jeff (Ann) Gillitzer of Hedgesville, W.Va., Julie (Johan) Lerch of Bettendorf, Todd (Julie) Gillitzer of Bettendorf; grandchildren, Olivia, Audrey, Hannah, Paige, Morgan, Connor, James, Cameron, and Thomas; brothers, Michael, Gregory, Neil, Bruce, Gerald, and Glen; and sisters, Cheryl Ryan, Mary Jane Mezera, Beth Mezera, Bernice Swanke, and Emily Waller.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by his son, Scott, parents; sister, Pat Prochaska; and brothers, Norman and Norbert.

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.