By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
16 Comments
    • Service

      Friday, December 11, 2020

      11:00 AM

      St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

       

    • Full Obituary

      Francis "Buddy" Poettker, 83, of Highland, IL, passed away, Sunday November 15, 2020 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

      Buddy was born August 17, 1937 to Paul and Leora (nee Essenpreis) Poettker, in St. Rose, IL.  He married Ethel Feldt at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Pocahontas, IL on June 6, 1959.

      Buddy was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL and Property President St. Paul Catholic Church for 28 years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1580; for over 50 years, 4th Degree Assembly #0231, and a founder and even helped in building, the Knights of Columbus hall.  He was a Helvetia Sharpshooters Society member, a long-time member of the Jamestown Coronet Band and a founding member of the Highland Speedway.

      Buddy was proud to have served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Buddy started Poettker Painting and Tuck Pointing and ran it for 15 years until he started Poettker Trucking Service in 1973 and operated it for 48 years.  He was proud of his painting and tuck-pointing, with some of his most memorable jobs being on auto plants in Detroit, MI, various bridge jobs spanning along the Mississippi River; as a painting contractor for the construction of the St. Louis Gateway Arch, along with numerous church steeples and guilded crosses in the area. He ran his business the same way all his life, old school, with no computers.  He was a farmer, and also enjoyed taking his 1957 Chevy for Sunday rides.   He loved spending his spare time at his “getaway home” in the country.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Leora Poettker; and a brother-in-law, Otto Feldt.

      Buddy is survived by his loving wife Ethel Poettker, Highland, IL; children, Kevin (Cindy) Poettker, Highland, IL, Lonie (Kim) Poettker, Highland, IL, Sherry (Gary) Wiegmann, St. Rose, IL, Alan Poettker, Highland, IL; grandchildren, Chelsey (Brett) Richter, Lyndsey (significant other, Garret Gelly) Poettker, Fallon (Travis) Oglesby, Lexis Wiegmann; great-grandchildren, Trace and Aubrey; his two God-children, Stanley Essenpreis and Darla Goedelmann; and his beloved dog, Dusty.

      Memorials may be made to the Metro East Humane Society.

      Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, December 11, 2020, 11:00 am, St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

      Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Highland, IL

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    16 Condolences
     
    1. Deb M Keeven / November 18, 2020 at 1:10 pm

      Mrs Poettker & Family,
      I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, father/grandfather. He was always so nice to me and never forgot to say hi! He will be missed…I am praying for peace & comfort.
      Blessings,
      Deb Keeven

    2. Darlene Musur / November 18, 2020 at 3:36 pm

      Dear Ethel,
      We were so sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing. He was always such a happy guy who loved his family and friends, and knew how to have fun. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will miss my cousin.
      Darlene and Norm Musur

    3. Connie & Mel Yardley / November 18, 2020 at 7:20 pm

      So sorry for your loss, I remember when he gave me a ride on his motorcycle many years ago, he was a great guy and cousin

    4. Ruth & Maurice Eversgerd / November 18, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      My husband Maurice and I wish to express our sincere sympathy to Buddy’s wife and family, especially Kevin and Cindy. Having operated a similar trucking business for over 50 years, my husband met Buddy many times while trucking. He was a very friendly guy. I personally have known Buddy through my cousin Bernard Trame for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.

    5. Linda Porter / November 19, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      Ethel, Sherry, Gary and Lexi
      We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Buddy, (aka the Pope). Bill will miss him at ADR and I at the bank. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    6. Melissa Koehler / November 19, 2020 at 8:10 pm

      Dear Ethel and
      Family, So sorry to hear about Buddy’s passing.He will always be remembered for his big smile and hearty laugh .He was a wonderful person and he will be extremely missed by all who knew him..You are in our thoughts and prayers.
      Melissa Essenpreis Koehler

    7. Brad Huelsmann / November 21, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      My condolences on the loss of Buddy. He was such a kind man. He will be missed, but looking down and watching over a of you from above. God Bless.

    8. Debbie Addington / November 22, 2020 at 1:16 pm

      Dear Lonnie and Kim,
      So sorry to hear about you dad’s passing. I know how much he meant to you and your family. He was always so kind. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
      Debbie Addington

    9. Bill and Debra Skrobul / November 23, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      Alan, we are beyond sad to hear about your dad. His heart was good and that is evident by the legacy he left behind in his children. We love you and your family. Our prayers are with you always friend!

    10. David and Sue Essenpreis / November 25, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      Dear Ethel, David and I are so very sorry for your lose. I remember him as always smiling and loads of fun. Our prayers go out to you and your family.

    11. Frank and Aggie Raine / November 29, 2020 at 8:48 am

      Dear Ethel,
      So sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing. He was always smiling and fun to be. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
      Frank and Aggie Raine

    12. Barb Holtgrave Portugal / December 1, 2020 at 10:37 pm

      I heard this just recently, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Buddy and Ethel many many years ago, they came into my parents tavern, Bill’s Place. Years later I was a waitress at local restaurant here in Highland and they came in to eat. They were both so sweet, kind and respectful. Unfortunately a lot of people treat service industry employees let’s say not the nicest. Not Buddy and Ethel they treated us all like we were doing them a favor waiting on them. You have my deepest sympathy, hang on to the memories. Hugs

    13. Jason Mettler / December 5, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      Dear Ethel,
      Doing business with Bud and you over years was great, I have missed working with you guys since the day you closed. Bud was always good for a good story and what I admired the most was he was never afraid to speak his mind no matter who was listening! He will be missed.
      God bless.
      Jason and Katie Mettler

    14. Vanessa Essenpreis Hilmes / December 7, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      Dear Ethel & family, my deepest sympathies to you all. Bud was the best…will never forget his laugh & great personality. I’m sure him & Uncle Melvin, Uncle Gene & his Mom & Dad are having a Happy reunion. Love & hugs to you all. Vanessa

    15. Mary Luber Gross / December 8, 2020 at 10:45 pm

      Dear Ethel and family, My Dad, Walt Luber, was a friend of Buddy’s and I heard many stories of their fun through the years with the Knights of Columbus but also what a caring and considerate man he was. Kevin, I believe you went to St. Paul with my brother, Tim. He sends his sympathies as well. God bless you all and may angels gently carry Buddy to his eternal reward.

    16. William S. Aegerter Jr. / December 9, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      I’m truly heartbroken about this . I’ve known Buddy forever great years,having a time at his clubhouse,and just talking to him. My condolences to all of the family, especially Ehel,Mrs. Poettker

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