John "Jack" Waeltz

John A. ‘Jack’ Waeltz, 74, of Belleville, IL, born May 28, 1942, in Belleville died October 10, 2016, at his residence following a courageous 3 year battle with brain cancer.

Jack grew up in Freeburg, IL, and graduated from Freeburg High School in 1960. He was a Co-Valedictorian of the class and a National Merit Scholar. He attended Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL, on a Naval ROTC scholarship completing Bachelor of Science degree requirements in Mechanical Engineering on June 24, 1964. The same day he was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Jack earned his ‘wings of gold’ as a naval aviator on May 24, 1966. He was assigned to Attack Squadron VA-93, Naval Air Station, Lemoore, California and trained in the Douglas A-4 ‘Skyhawk’ aircraft. During the Vietnam War, he flew the A-4 attack bomber from the decks of the U.S.S. Hancock and the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard. Jack flew 241 missions over North Vietnam, had 345 carrier landings during his naval career and was the recipient of numerous awards and air medals. He proudly served the U.S. Navy for 5½ years. Delta Airlines hired Jack as a flight engineer in February, 1970. He flew 27 years for Delta, and retired in August, 1997, as a Boeing 767 Captain. Additionally, he was a line check airman for Delta’s pilot training program. God’s Speed on your final journey west, Captain Jack… Jack loved farming and was the fourth generation to own the Waeltz family farm located south of Freeburg. He was a life-long member of the St. Clair County Farm Bureau. Jack enjoyed golfing with friends, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, riding his Harley-Davidson, listening to country music, watching John Wayne movies and reading (especially the daily newspaper front to back).

He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Lucille, nee Hollenkamp, Waeltz, brothers Bob and Bill Waeltz and a sister Diane, in infancy.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Betty, nee Hartman, Waeltz; his children, Chuck (Stacy) Waeltz of Belleville, IL, Missy (Myron) Wombacher of Mascoutah, IL, and Paul (Marlene) Waeltz of Landenberg, PA; grandchildren, McKenzie and Ryanne Sirtak, Mitchell and Sydney Waeltz, Aidan and Jude Waeltz and Joel Johnson; his sisters, Carol (Don) Beste of Bethalto, IL, Judy (Bob) Huller formerly of O’Fallon, IL, Mary (Mark) Huller of O’Fallon, IL; a  brother David (Doris) Waeltz of Mascoutah, IL; sisters-in-law, Mary Jo Waeltz of Brunswick, OH, Sandi Waeltz of Round Rock, TX and Lois Jean (Ken) Krassinger of St. Louis, MO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A heartfelt Thank You to the health care professionals at Siteman Cancer Center, B.J.C. Hospice, Morning Glory Homecare and all friends and neighbors for their kindness and support.

Donations are suggested to support Siteman Cancer Center, through the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140, St. Louis, MO 63110 or Mascoutah Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 80, Mascoutah, IL 62258. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

Funeral: a memorial service will be held 10:30 AM Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2016 at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL with Rev. Jason Peirce officiating. Burial with Navy military honors will follow at 12:30 PM in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.