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John Bilgere Obituary

Bilgere, John 79, of Shiloh, Illinois, born April 10, 1933, in Du Quoin, IL, died January 9, 2013 at Rosewood Care Center in Swansea, Illinois. John was a Spanish and English teacher in Marissa, IL and at University City High School. As a high school teacher, he created the Guitarist Guild music club, helped run an extracurricular student center, and led a student trip to Mexico. He had been a member of the Lion's Club and Rotary International in New Athens, IL. He was a long time member of the First Unitarian Church in St. Louis, MO. John enjoyed traveling, and went to Europe and Mexico many times. He was preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Bilgere Tillock and his stepfather, Lester Tillock. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Julia nee Reed Bilgere Sons, John R. Bilgere of University City, MO, Dmitri David (Fawn) Bilgere of Madison, WI. Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com. Memorials may be made to the MS Society. Services: Memorial Gathering: Friends may gather from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL to celebrate John's life.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jan. 10, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Steve Smith

December 13, 2024

He was the best Spanish teacher I had at UCHS. I appreciated his wisdom and humor. He is missed by all who knew him. In the hope we will all see each other again in a better place, rest in peace.

Steve Smith

Ann Sommer-Reckel

January 15, 2013

He was one of those teachers who inspired me to want to be a teacher.Thankyou.

Christy Thompson

January 14, 2013

From the students at U. City High School...Thnk you for being a light in our lives, and for sharing your knowledge and life with us. We are all better people for it. You will be missed. May your family take comfort in your memory and what you meant to others

Victoria Guilfoil

January 13, 2013

For two years, 1970-72, I was one of Mr. Bilgere's students at UCHS, in addition to being a member of his Guitarist's Guild. While I'm sure I helped make his life hell at times, he did make the learning (and playing) experience memorable. I can still see him, perched on top of a desk.... And, believe it or not, I have some of our old Guitarist's Guild songs in my old guitar case. Vaya con Dios, Senor Bilgere. Descansa en paz.

Barbara Ernst

January 11, 2013

His journey is finished. So sorry for your loss.

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Kurrus Funeral Home - Belleville

1773 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223

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