IN MEMORIAM: Tilesetters Local 18’s Robert Lee Wiedwilt

Robert Lee Wiedwilt, of Addieville, Ill., a 50-year member of Tilesetters Local 18 passed away on Oct. 12. He was 94.

In his early years, Robert served as an MP in the U.S. Army. After returning home in 1948, he married Beverly Jasper. For 24 years, Robert worked for his dad’s tile business, and in 1971 left to start his own tile company. Brother Wiedwilt’s wife, three sons, a son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandsons all worked for him at that company through the years.

In 2005 at the age of 78, he closed his doors and retired to care for his ailing sister. Brother Wiedwilt was a true family man who cherished and loved spending time with his family. He also had many, many good times at their summer place at Lake of Egypt and their winter home in Punta Gorda, Fla. He enjoyed boating, car shows, watching sports, playing poker and of course, being outside. He will always be remembered as a devoted husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle who was fondly called “Papa” by all. He was a joy to be around, and he will be dearly missed.

Brother Wiedwilt was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; mother, Ione Illsmann; father, Elmer Wiedwilt; sister Beverly Hill (Wiedwilt); brothers-in-law, William Jasper and Bruce Hill; son-in-law Michael Riess; niece, Judith Wissehr; and several other loved ones.

He is survived by his sons, Robert (Judy) Wiedwilt, of Addieville, Ill.; Mark (Debra) Wiedwilt of Coulterville, Ill.: Gary (Lisa) Wiedwilt, of Addieville, Ill.; two daughters, Marcia (James) Reynolds, of Tunnel Hill, Ill.; and Linda Riess, of Addieville, Ill.;17 grandchildren, Ryan (Dee) Wiedwilt, West (Kaley) Bergkoetter, Kristen (Matthew) Turner, Luke (Joanna) Bergkoetter, Daniel (Kendra) Wiedwilt, Nichole Wiedwilt-Grant (special friend Zach Rakers), Jonathan Wiedwilt (special friend Rina), Erin Wiedwilt, Grant Riess (fiancé, Rachael Hudson), Grace Riess; 12 great-grandchildren, Cole, Camryn, Cadee Wiedwilt, Olivia Bergkoetter, Braylen and Brendal Turner, Tyler Parsley, Wyatt Wiedwilt, Gage Byrd, Hunter & Lily Grant, Ozzy Michael Riess; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of all other gifts, memorials may be donated to Addieville Fire Department, P.O. Box 109, Addieville, Ill. 62214. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.