John Luke Wientge, 72, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Sunday, December 14, 2025
Preceded in death by father Charles Wientge and mother Eileen Wientge; beloved brother of Kathleen Fischer and dear uncle to Claire (Chris) Diemler, Theodore Fischer, Theresa Dobson, Catherine (Travis) Cearley and Ann (Michael Buchheit) Fischer. Dear great uncle to Henry and Lucy Diemler; Dorothy Dobson; Fischer, Luke, and Joe Cearley, and Grace, Sunny and Rocky Buchheit.
John was an outgoing and loving man who could chat up anyone and loved doing so at his favorite city haunts: McGurk’s, Syberg’s (Gravois), City Park Grill, and others. His many nieces and nephew remember his joy and warmth, especially from our childhoods when he would take us on roadtrips, to Cardinals games, to movies and on many other adventures.
John had many passions in life: Ireland and all things Irish, soccer and his teams at McBride HS and UMSL, and the thoroughbred horse community, especially at Keeneland and Fairmount Park (he was a walking encyclopedia on horses). In all of these he made lifelong friends. One of his most recent cherished memories was a trip to Ireland to reconnect with extended family and meet with the new generation of family in Counties Kerry and Cork.
John had a Masters of Business Administration and worked in construction accounting. His jobs took him to Wyoming, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Most recently he was employed at the Walsh Group of Chicago, Il working on the Chain of Rocks bridge.
Around 17 years ago, John was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Eventually it caused his kidneys to deteriorate, beginning a six year journey through dialysis. We wish to thank the Walsh Group which did everything they could to enable John to continue working while on dialysis. We also wish to thank the amazing professionals at SLU hospital ICU where John received the utmost care.
John’s warmth, humor, and passion for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A private ceremony for immediate family will be held Monday, December 22. A memorial Mass and celebration of his life will be held at a future date to be announced. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the American Kidney Fund.