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.
Luke was an integral member of the national champion SECO soccer teams. A great teammate and special guy. RIP
John never met a person he couldn’t talk to and his smile was infectious. As his Cousin, we had many years of fun together laughing, playing golf, and just catching up at weddings and unfortunately funerals. John will be missed but he has been welcomed to Heaven by Aunt Eileen and Uncle Luke. Love You John!
Great friend to me and many more. Many evenings he would call while he was going through dialysis treatments and discuss the “state of the Cardinals”. He was a regular caller into KMOX Open Line shows, many times to take an opposing point of view to one of its many hosts who he thought we just “toeing the company line”.
In John’s perfect world he would have been able to meet and marry the fictional character Eilis Lacey ( played by Saoirse Ronan, the American-Irish actress) from the 2015 movie “BROOKLYN”. I remember him calling me after seeing it at least 2-3 times and telling me I had to watch it. As many of us who knew John, he was “very passionate” . I can recall him finding the “love of his life” many times. I know all of us wished he would have found his “Eilis”.
Rest in peace my friend, you fought the good fight.
Condolences to all Johns family at this time especially his nephew Teddy. Like the obituary says he didn’t meet many people he couldn’t talk to. I was fortunate enough to be one of those people. I knew John first as a patron but then as a friend. As we’d say in Ireland he was a ” character “. He loved Ireland and talked of his roots and his Kerry cousins all the time. In fact we bet on The Donegal Kerry All Ireland this past summer and he had a great laugh as I begrudgingly handed over that 1 dollar bill.. He talked fondly of his soccer days and I honestly think he was like myself . A bit better in his head than on te field. But he loved the game and knew his stuff.. But the horses.. did he know that stuff. He loved working at the track. I loved his knowledge of horses as I’ve a wee soft spot for them myself. We talked about everything me and John. Didn’t always see eye to eye but that’s ok that’s how things should get discussed. And how I’m I going to keep up with the progress of the bridge now?. John your work here is done my friend and I’ll raise an Ice Tea to you ( I hate Iced tea.. but for you) Rest in Peace my friend
John was a dear neighbor of ours. He was so welcoming and friendly to us when we moved diagonally across from him four years ago. He and I had so many fun conversations about the neighborhood and about our interests. I so enjoyed hearing about his travels and his experiences working at the horse race track. He always was quick with an enthusiastic hi and a warm beaming smile. A very special man that I will miss. My sincere condolences to his family and friends
We are so upset here in Ireland to hear of John’s passing. We loved having him visit here and will miss the letters and updates from him. A very sweet man. I’m sure you will all miss him dearly. Love Margaret, Alan, Ian , Kate from listowel, Co. Kerry
So sorry to hear of John’s passing, one of life’s gentlemen, he was always a very welcome guest by his cousins here in Ireland. We know how much he valued his connection with the Scannell’s.
Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Slán abhaile John.
Love Declan, Gillian, Penny & Arlo Thornton