Walter J. Spihlman

Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Monday, March 10, 2025, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Moss Funeral Home ~ Trenton

Monday, March 10, 2025

10:00 a.m.

St. Mary Catholic Church ~ Trenton

Walter J. Spihlman, age 81, of Trenton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born April 20, 1943, in St. Louis, MO, a son of the late Frank and Helen (nee Robke) Spihlman.

Walt married Ruth Ann “Raz” Zimmerman on July 3, 1965, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton and she survives in Trenton. In addition to his wife, Walt is survived by his children, Denise Spihlman of Trenton, Craig (Angela) Spihlman of St. Louis, MO, Tim (Jenny) Spihlman of O’Fallon, and Jeni (Andrew) Wallenberg of Trenton; grandchildren, Joshua Frerker, Hannah (Houston) Kruse, Erica and Erin Spihlman, Dr. Allison Spihlman, Adam Spihlman, Nicholas (fiancée, Riley Maher) Spihlman, Natalie Spihlman, and Olivia, A.J., Quinton, and Emma Wallenberg, and was anticipating the birth of his first great-grandchild; sister, Virginia Werner of Pocahontas; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Judy Spihlman of St. Rose, Mary Ellen Murphey of Foristell, MO, Judy (Jerry) Schachner of O’Fallon, and Joan (Mike) Stanfill of Marble Hill, MO; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Walt was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Spihlman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald and Marie (nee Bechtoldt) Zimmerman; and brothers-in-law, Tom Werner and Lloyd Murphey.

Walt was a devoted family man, respected pharmacist, and active community member who touched the lives of many. A 1961 graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School, he went on to earn his master’s degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. For 25 years from 1967-1992, he owned and operated Shield Drug Store in New Baden, serving his community with care and dedication. Beyond his pharmacy work, he spent 15 years teaching pharmacology at Meramec Junior College and served as a counselor at Gateway Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation, helping those in need.

Faith was an important part of Walt’s life. He was a dedicated member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton, where he served as a funeral Mass server and was a former parish council board member. He was also an involved member of the Trenton Knights of Columbus Council 2932, a former Fathers and Friends member at Mater Dei, and past secretary of the New Baden Chamber of Commerce.

An outdoorsman at heart, Walt found joy in deer hunting, fishing, and spending time at his cabin. He looked forward to his annual trips to Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, MO, where he spent time trout fishing, bird hunting, squirrel hunting, hiking, and enjoying campfires. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on University of Illinois basketball and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. After retirement, he embraced the simple pleasures of reading and taking side-by-side rides.

Walt was a caring and supportive father who coached his children’s sports teams and was a member of the Wesclin Blue Ribbon Committee. He always had an open ear for those who needed him, and his greatest joy in life was his family. He never missed an opportunity to watch his kids' and grandkids' school and sporting events, and his grandchildren were truly his pride and joy.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton with Fr. George Zieba presiding and Deacon John Mote assisting. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Trenton.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. and again Monday, March 10, 2025, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Trenton.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School, St. Mary Parish, or Shriners Children's in St. Louis and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.