Bernard “Bernie” Carl Leitschuh, 82, of Butler, died on Monday, March 13, 2023, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 19, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 20, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield, with Fr. Dan Willenborg and Fr. Alan Hunter presiding. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Litchfield.
Mr. Leitschuh was born on Oct. 19, 1940, in Litchfield, a son of Carl George and Ella Christina (Panske) Leitschuh. He graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1958, and served in the Illinois National Guard. He married Shirley Darlene Bess in 1961 and they later divorced. She preceded him in death.
Mr. Leitschuh was a self-employed contractor of 50 years with Leitschuh Construction, and farmed part-time, especially enjoying raising cattle. He was a member of Mid-State Collectors Antique Tractor Club, Moose Lodge #1634 and served on the boards of both the Butler Homecoming Association and the Montgomery County Fair Association. Mr. Leitschuh was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield, where he served as a trustee for several years. He was a fourth degree knight with the Knights of Columbus, Council #699 and president of the Holy Cross Cemetery Association.
Mr. Leitschuh is survived by his children, Terry C. (Teri L.) Leitschuh of Marine and Melissa “Missy” A. (Toby A.) Dean of Raymond; special friend, Sharon Derringer Gowin of Litchfield; his faithful four-legged companion, Dancer; niece, Lori Owens of Raymond; nephews, Rodney Bess and Rick Bess, both of Litchfield; and several cousins.
Memorials may be directed to Holy Cross Cemetery Association for restoration projects. Condolences may be left online at www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
