Randall Scott “Randy” Warnecke, 60, of Belleville, IL, born January 26, 1964, in Belleville, IL, died Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital West, St. Louis, MO.
He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend to all. His presence was felt in every room or place he visited. He loved his children more than life itself and was so very proud of them. Randy adored his grandchildren, and they loved him beyond measure.
Randy was the owner and operator of Warnecke Building Restoration, Inc. For 32 years, his career and passion was visiting and restoring churches and steeples throughout the metro areas, spanning to places as far as Chicago and Kentucky. His special attention to detail and devotion to the craftsmanship of his work will allow his soul to be shared to all who visit them.
For many decades, he was an active masonry contractor member of the Masonry Institute of Southern Illinois, including serving a term as president. He had become the designated spokesperson for many MISI events. He was very passionate about speaking to students at area high schools promoting bricklaying as a career. He volunteered to be the liaison between the Center for Academic & Vocational Excellence, Bricklayers Local 8 and the Masonry Institute. He valued the relationships fostered by being part of this organization and regarded these colleagues as great friends.
Randy was an original member of the Sugar Creek Outlaw Band. He enjoyed all things outdoors; especially hunting, camping, and boating. He loved old cars, playing cards, and spending time with friends. He knew no strangers and was loved by all.
He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Warnecke; his mother, Sharon, nee Myers, Warnecke; his father-in-law, Victor Behrmann; and a brother-in-law, George Meyer.
He is survived by his beautiful bride of 33 years, Mary Jo, nee Behrmann, Warnecke, whom he married on April 20, 1991; a son, Matthew (Megan) Warnecke; a daughter, Megan (Joshua) Kern; two grandsons, Jack and Wyatt Kern; two brothers, Stephen (Angel) Warnecke and Richard Warnecke; a sister, Dawn (Michael) Schmidt; his mother-in-law, Rose Behrmann; two sisters-in-law, Joyce Meyer and Debbie (Jim) Bozsa; two brothers-in-law, Randy (Daphne) Behrmann and Victor (Cathy) Behrman; many aunts and uncles; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins; and special friends, Bud and Sandy Gore.
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I am following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work or play,
Tasks left undone must stay that way, I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, ah, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with time of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a fund for his grandchildren, in care of Mary Jo Warnecke, and can be sent to the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2025, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at St. Peter’s Cathedral Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
