John A Wiatr's Obituary
John A. Wiatr, 86, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026 at his home in Red Bud. He was born September 4, 1939, in Chicago to John S. and Rose V. (nee Wisniewski) Wiatr.
He was a life-long teacher, including at St. John’s Lutheran in Red Bud and retiring as associate professor of political science after more than 30 years at Southwestern Illinois College.
He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Chicago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and organization from American University in Washington, DC and a master’s degree in government from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
While studying in Carbondale he met his wife, Eunice Wiatr (nee Guebert). They married on May 29, 1971, and they were blessed with over 54 years of marriage, four children, and four grandchildren.
He loved teaching, history, geography, current events, talking with anyone and everyone, reminiscing, listening to Handel’s Messiah, and family events. He was proud of his Polish heritage; the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, and other family members; and all the successes of his many students over the years.
He is survived by his children Amy (Ariel) Wiatr-Rodriguez, Ted (Amanda) Wiatr, and Maria (Robert) Aucoin; grandchildren Kayli and Max Wiatr and Josephine and Margot Aucoin; brothers Joseph Wiatr and Michael (Patricia Anderson) Wiatr; siblings-in-law, Ruby Hering, Willard (Sue) Guebert, Elaine Guebert, and Eula Rehberg; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law, John S. and Rose Wiatr and Theodore and Amelia Guebert; wife, Eunice Wiatr; daughter, Rosalie Montgomery; siblings, Theresa Sherman, Mary Andrashie, Albert Wiatr, and Stephen Wiatr; and siblings-in-law, Anthony Andrashie Sr., Sandra Wiatr, Pearl Wiatr, Paul Hering, Marvin Guebert, Roger and Marian Knop, John Rehberg, and Eugene Guebert. Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 a.m. on Monday, March 2 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Mark Winkelmann officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Red Bud, with a luncheon to follow at the church’s fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Wayne Ault Public Service or Red Bud Campus Scholarships at Southwestern Illinois College or St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Red Bud.
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