John George Weltz, Jr.

John George Weltz, Jr. was born on June 26, 1952, at Savanna Hospital in Savanna, Illinois. He was the beloved son of John George Weltz Sr. and Geraldine A. (Griese) Weltz.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Carol Perce; and his grandparents, Henry Weltz, Anna Weltz, Archie Griese, and Elsie Peters.

He is survived by his 3 brothers, Gerald Giddings, and Martin “Marty” (Janet) Altensey and Matthew Altensey and family; two daughters, Gena Orth and husband Jerry, and Nikki Proffer and husband Rick. He also leaves behind three granddaughters: Nicole Karberg and husband Nate, Ashley Blahnik and husband Josh and Aarica Orth (special friend Tony) and one grandson, Dalton Proffer, as well as six great-grandchildren: Lily, Allauna, Kayden, Averie, Colton, and Kobe. John had a special bond with his granddaughter Nicole Karberg, they spoke often and valued their close relationship.

John was united in marriage to the love of his life, Barbara Jean, on April 28.1978, She was his devoted companion until her passing in 2008. Barbara brought a daughter, Gena, into their marriage, whom John lovingly welcomed and raised as his own.

He was also blessed with a faithful and cherished companion, BeBe, who brought him great comfort and joy. They would enjoy many walks together and she was very dear to him.

John shared a dear friendship with Ralph Wagner, with whom he enjoyed many memorable vacations and experiences.

A man of strong faith and values, John loved his church, God, and country. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Proffer family for the exceptional care shown to John, especially Nikki, Rick, and his grandson Dalton.

John attended St. John’s Catholic Grade School and Savanna High School, graduating in 1971. He was a proud and active member of the Savanna Moose Lodge #195 and the Knights of Columbus #1088.

He dedicated more than 40 years of service to the railroad industry, working for the Chicago & North Western Railroad in Clinton, Iowa, before transferring to the Union Pacific Railroad car shop in DeSoto, Missouri. He retired on July 5, 2012.

Above all, John cherished time spent with his wife, Barb. Following her passing, he greatly valued visits to Illinois and time with his daughter Gena and her family. John will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of playing cards, especially cribbage that he always won! And the warm smile he so freely shared with others.

A memorial visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer Funeral Home in Bonne Terre, on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. until service time of 12:00 P.M. with Rev. Jim French officiating. There will be a second service at a later date in Savanna, Illinois, where John will be laid to rest with his wife Barbara in Savanna, Illinois at St. John’s Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made in John's honor to St. Jude's Children's Research, www.stjude.org. May he rest in eternal peace.