Loretta Therese Guetterman

Loretta Therese Guetterman (nee Martin), age 81, of Belleville, Illinois passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023. She was born May 7, 1942 in Lansing Michigan. Loretta was preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband, Don, of 55 years, whom she married February 4, 1962; an infant daughter, Josephine; her parents, Margaret (nee Graham) & Raymond; a brother Jerry, a brother Donald; a sister Shirley, three sister in-laws, Cecilia Adrian (nee Guetterman), Audrey A. Guetterman (nee Gerlach), Rosemary Falconer (nee Guetterman); and three brother-in-laws, Raymond Guetterman, Jack Falconer and William Adrian.

Loretta was a very caring, compassionate and loving, wife, mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother; homemaker and health care professional. She had a great capacity to love and care for others. Her strong sense of compassion and her determination to always find a way to help those in need, lead her to a career in Health Care. Loretta graduated from St Theresa’s Academy in 1960. She then attended Lincoln School of Practical Nursing and graduated in 1968. Loretta began her nursing career at Belleville Memorial Hospital; and following her retirement from nursing continued in Health Care as a Unit Care Coordinator at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital until she retired in 1992. Loretta was a member of the National Association of Health Care Unit Coordinators (NAHUCC); and Technicians, Aides, Ward Clerks and Orderlies (TAWCO). She was also a Girl Scout Troop Leader and volunteered with various organizations. While she had many interests and hobbies; most important to Loretta was her family. She volunteered and was involved with her children’s and Grandchildren’s school activities. She loved needle point, cross-stitching and other various arts and crafts that she did with her children and grandchildren. She also shared a common love and interest of model trains, radio-controlled cars and camping with her husband and family.

She is survived by her Daughter and Son-In-Law, Donna “Kris” (nee Guetterman) and Bill Wise of Millstadt, IL; a Son, Nicholas P. Guetterman of Carbondale, IL; three Grandchildren, Scott A. Wise (Lauren) of Mascoutah, IL; Brandon L. Wise of Millstadt, IL; Miranda N. Wise of Jacksonville, FL; and three Great Grandchildren; Alyssa R. Wise, Anthony A. Wise and Leon K. Capers. Loretta is also survived by four sisters and three brothers and many nieces, nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews. Loretta always had a special place in her heart and regarded very special friends as extensions of her family; George and Patricia “Tricia” Lewis of Trenton, IL; Gerald “Jerry” and Linda Parker of Maryville, IL; and Felicia Parker of Collinsville, IL.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 1:00pm in Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL 62208 with visitation from 11:00am until time of service. Interment will follow in Lake View Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor of your choice.

“Farewell my loves sing no sad songs for me for my strife is over, my work here is complete. I came but for a little while. I have lived and loved; and now I’m coming full circle to go on to a new life and be re-united with loved ones that have started this new journey before me. Until we meet again, make everyday count by living life to the fullest each and every day, make & share many memories, & take care of one another. Until we meet again, Farewell to the ones I leave behind. Love to you, (Mom, Mama, Grimsby, MeMa, Grams & GG)”