Gene Weilbacher

Eugene E. Weilbacher passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Gene is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, JoAnn (née Gass), and his daughters: Jen (Chris) Schuermann, Melissa (Bob) Sutherland, and Laura (Dan) Rayhawk. He was the proud Papa of thirteen grandchildren: Anna, Luke, Grace, Ella, Kate, and Lydia Schuermann; Sophie and Patrick Sutherland; and Claire, Henry, Jack, Teddy, and Charlie Rayhawk. Gene and JoAnn enjoyed residing in Chesterfield, Missouri as parishioners of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church for nearly 40 years after several years in Columbia, Illinois and New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Born on April 25, 1948, to Milton and Eleanora (née Wienhoff), Gene was raised on the Weilbacher family farm in Millstadt, Illinois. He was the fourth of five children and is survived by his siblings Bernice Gregorio, Audrey Kaiser, Maurice (Lisa Emmenegger) Weilbacher, and the late Kenny (Juleene) Weilbacher, and was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Frank Gregorio and Joe Kaiser. Gene leaves behind many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Gene was a graduate of St. James Catholic Grade School, Althoff High School, and Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Gene was known for his innovative mind and dedication to his profession. He built a meaningful career in research and development of medical products earning recognition for over 30 patents. His contributions improved patient healthcare and medical efficiency.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gene had a profound love for hunting and exploring nature. He found immense joy in deer and turkey hunting, particularly on his farm in Mt. Sterling, Illinois. His enthusiasm for the outdoors was infectious, and he delighted in sharing this passion with his family and friends. Gene’s grandchildren, in particular, inherited his love for nature, and together they created cherished memories while fishing, vacationing, and spending time in the great outdoors.

Gene will be remembered for his kindness, curiosity, strong work ethic, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the memories shared by those who knew him best.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation held at Newcomer West County (2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017) on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Gene’s funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Clare of Assisi Church (15642 Clayton Road, Ellisville, Missouri 63011) on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:30am. Please join the family for lunch immediately following mass at Ballwin Event Center (333 Holloway Road, Ballwin, Missouri 63011; additional parking available in the North Pointe Aquatic Center lot). A private burial at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt, Illinois will be held on a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations in honor of Gene to the Illinois Conservation Foundation or the American Parkinson Disease Association.

To share a memory of Gene or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.