James E Tegtmeier

James E Tegtmeier, 78, Woodstock, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at his home.

He was born May 28, 1936, to Frederick James and Ruth “Tad” Marjorie (Evans) Engle in Elgin. In subsequent years, Tad married Edward Tegtmeier, Crystal Lake, and Frederick married Vera Beu, Woodstock. 

On Dec. 30, 1961, he married Barbara Ann Zanck, and they shared 35 years together in a loving relationship based on a strong, mutual commitment to marriage, family, home and work. Barbara died Aug. 20, 1996.

He found a second love in Jacqueline Witt. They were married April 1, 1998.

He grew up in Huntley, and after high school, he worked for Union Special Corporation. He later worked as a sales representative. He began his own metal-finishing supply business, Production Concepts Inc., and then added another venture, Water & Steam Management Corporation.

He enjoyed camping, fishing and golf and was highly spiritual, practicing daily prayer and reflection. He was a trumpet player in his youth and was skilled at drawing and carving. He earned an associate’s degree and numerous certificates in metal finishing, chemistry and engineering.

Survivors include his wife Jacqueline; two sons, Joseph J. (Janet) Tegtmeier and Scott Witt; four daughters, Toni L. (Cara Biden) Baumann, Erin M. (Pernell) Meier, Michelle (Andrew) Hotchkies, Sherry (Dennis) Holubetz; three sisters, Marie Tegtmeier, Judy (Paul) Mercer, Jeannie (Dick) Patchin; two brothers, Tim (Vicki) Engle, Terry (Debbie) Engle; nine grandchildren, Peter, Jessica, Joe, Colton, Jacob, Chandler, Jessica, Maria and Justin; five great-grandchildren, Jacob, Kayla, Paige, Nathan and Zander; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Barbara; a sister, Sherry Wilbrandt; and a brother-in-law, Ronald Wilbrandt.

Visitation will be 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. A sharing of stories about his life will begin around 6 p.m. Visitation will continue at 10 a.m. Friday, March 6, until the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Ducks Unlimited or Best Friends Animal Society.