Denis J. Billhartz

Denis J. Billhartz, 83, of New Baden, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was born on March 10, 1942, in Breese, the son of Harry F. and Agnes L., nee Griesbaum, Billhartz.

Denis had a strong work ethic and dedicated a significant portion of his life to his career as a farmer and laborer with Local 742 in Mascoutah. As a proud US Army Veteran, Denis served his country with honor, embodying the values of dedication and sacrifice. He was a kind man who found solace and strength in his faith and contributed positively to his community.

Denis is survived by his four "daughters": Linda Wallace of Columbia, Anita (John) Lang of Mascoutah, Carla (Richard) Novak of Highland, and Johnna Lombardo of Mascoutah, along with his cherished grandchildren, Shelley Yon, John Wallace, Miranda Lang, Charlotte Lang, Jessica (David) Meurer, and Craig (Lauren) Norrenberns; and great-grandchildren, Caedance and Quinn Wallace, Nolan, Morgan, Weston and Auburn Meurer, and Wade, Dean, Tessa, and Bella Norrenberns, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sisters: Elizabeth "Betty" Haas, Catherine "Kitty" Lanter, Veronica "Patsy" Wright, Mary Ann Krohne, a brother, Vincent Billhartz, his best friend, Roger Gildig, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving companion of 45 years, Dorothy L. "Dottie" Salustro, his siblings: Paul Billhartz, Mary Haas, Margaret "Tookie" Reinhardt, Agnes "Nellie" Buechler, and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden at 10:00 a.m. 

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Nordike Funeral Home with Deacon John Fridley officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.

To honor his life, the family invites those who wish to remember him to make a memorial donation to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD).  Contributions support research, care, and advocacy for families affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  An organization dear to the family as Denis' grandson has been diagnosed with DMD. Donations may be made online at www.parentprojectmd.org/donate or check made payable to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, with "In memory of Denny Billhartz" noted in the memo line and mailed to: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, 1012 14th Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20005.  Donations may also be accepted at Nordike Funeral Home.