Edgar B. Gottschalk

Edgar B. Gottschalk, 93, a lifelong Springfielder, died June 20, 2017 at Mill Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care Center. He was born December 13, 1923 to Frederick J. and Lenora (Vieira) Gottschalk. Edgar was a January 1943 graduate of Springfield High School and departed the day following graduation to serve in the United States Army Air Force. After attending several Air Force technical schools stateside he was transferred to the 13th United States Army Jungle Air Force 5th Bomb Group 72nd Bomb Sqdn. Edgar served in the Asiatic and Southwest Pacific Theater as a flight engineer and top turret gunner on a B-24 bomber. He flew 45 combat missions and received multiple military honors, achieving the rank of T/Sgt. before his honorary discharge in 1945.

He married the only love of his life, Delores Joayne “Jo” Hinegardner September 22, 1946 at First Christian Church in Winchester, IL and she preceded him in death September 8, 2014. Edgar and Jo were best friends throughout their nearly 68 years of marriage.

He is survived by one cousin, Robert (Marilyn) Schneider of Jacksonville, IL.

Edgar retired in 1989 as supervisor of mechanical systems at St. John’s Hospital after 20 years of service. He was a proud member of the 13th Jungle Air Force Veterans Association and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local #137. He was a man of varied interests and hobbies that included golf, sailing, fishing, pitching horseshoes, leather and stain-glass crafting, and shopping. Edgar’s greatest joy throughout retirement was wintering in Arizona in their Airstream with Jo.

Visitation: 10:00–11:00 am Monday, June 26, 2017 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Monday, June 26, 2017 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.