Paul C. “Pete” “Pitts” Fuehne

Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.

St. Cecilia Catholic Church ~ Bartelso

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

11:00 a.m.

St. Cecilia Catholic Church ~ Bartelso

Paul C. “Pete” “Pitts” Fuehne, age 69, of Bartelso, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh. He was born March 7, 1957, in Breese, a son of the late Alfred “Fritz” and Lucy (nee Winkeler) Fuehne.

Pete married Julie Fuehne (nee Pingsterhaus) on December 15, 1978, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Beckemeyer and she survives in Bartelso. Pete is also survived by his children, Carrie (Kevin) Kehrer of Germantown and Brian (Nicole) Fuehne of Trenton; grandchildren, Brennan (friend, Amryn), Markus (friend, Ady), and Brielle Kehrer, and Grace, Jackson, and Piper Jo Fuehne; siblings, Gerri (Leonard) Ripperda of Albers, Ron “Doozle” (Sue) Fuehne of Bartelso, Jan (Ken) Pierson of Carlyle, Dave “Whipper” (Lisa) Fuehne of Centralia, Roger “Rogue” Fuehne of Bartelso, Leon Fuehne of Bartelso, Donna Schroeder of Bartelso, Tim “Pelle” Fuehne of Bartelso, Marsha (Gary) Wobbe of Bartelso, and Angie (Wayne) Toennies of Bartelso; mother-in-law, Imelda (nee Boeser) Pingsterhaus; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Anthony “Tony” (Kathy) Pingsterhaus of Beckemeyer, Mary Lou (Gervase) Hemker of Germantown, Irene (Lavern) Jansen of Damiansville, Evelina “Evy” (Augie) Wildhaber of Bartelso, and Lavern “Vern” Pingsterhaus of Carlyle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Pete was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Fuehne; father-in-law, Raymond “Ray” Pingsterhaus; brother-in-law, Allan Schroeder; and sister-in-law, Kathy Pingsterhaus.

Pete was a 1975 graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School. Following graduation, Pete worked at Kohnen Concrete and later began a career at Centralia Correctional Center, where he dedicated more than 25 years of service before retiring. Pete most recently worked as a custodian at Bartelso Elementary School, where he enjoyed visiting with students and staff.

Music was woven throughout Pete’s life. Growing up in a musical family, he developed a love for playing and performing that stayed with him for decades. As a member of the band Vintage Jam, Pete could often be found sharing his talents at local bars, wineries, and family gatherings, bringing smiles and good times wherever he played.

Pete was a man of many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing, and experimenting with making homemade wine and beer. He loved listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games on the radio, a pastime he shared with his father. He was also a lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Though not a member of The Jared Burke Foundation, Pete took great pride in making many hand crafted pieces to support their mission.

Some of Pete’s favorite moments were spent at the cabin that he built with the love of his life, a place where he could relax, enjoy the outdoors, and make lasting memories with his family. He looked forward to Wednesdays at the clubhouse on the river, spending time with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and companionship.

Above all else, Pete treasured his family. He found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather. Whether cheering from the stands, traveling to games, or simply spending time together, Pete rarely missed an opportunity to support his grandchildren. They were the pride of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them, especially passing along his love of woodworking, hunting, fishing, and the lifelong skills and traditions that meant so much to him.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso with Fr. Thomas Lugge, Fr. James Buerster, and Fr. Matthew Elie concelebrating. Interment will follow at St. Cecilia Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 24, 2026, from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Bartelso.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or other gifts, memorials may be made to The Jared Burke Foundation, Williams Syndrome Association, or Bartelso Fire Department and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th Street, Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.