Louis “Butch” Anthony Bicanic Jr., age 90, of Maryville, Illinois, and formerly of Granite City, Illinois and Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Keystone Place at Magnolia Commons in Glen Carbon, Illinois, surrounded by the love and memories of a life beautifully lived.
Born on October 12, 1935, in Granite City, Illinois, Butch was the beloved son of the late Louis A. Bicanic Sr. and Ann J. (Bezan) Bicanic. From an early age, he possessed a strong work ethic, a generous spirit, and a gift for making meaningful connections with others that remained with him throughout his life.
Butch graduated from Granite City High School in 1953 and later earned his engineering degree from Washington University in 1961. On May 16, 1959, he married Violet “Vi” Elizabeth Tegel at St. Mary Catholic Church in Madison, Illinois, beginning a remarkable love story that would span sixty-seven devoted years. Together they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and enduring love.
Butch proudly served his country as a member of the Illinois National Guard. He was a faithful member of Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville and a former Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Professionally, he dedicated many years to his career, serving as Plant Superintendent at General Steel in Granite City before continuing with Combustion Engineering/ABB, where he ultimately retired in 1996 as Plant Manager. He led with integrity, respect, and quiet strength, earning admiration from colleagues and friends alike.
Outside of work, Butch embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan who loved traveling with Vi, dancing, and gathering with friends for spirited games. He never met a stranger and had a natural ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. Honest, faithful, and caring—these words perfectly described the man so many knew and loved. He was always ready with a smile, a helping hand, or a laugh shared with family and friends.
Above all else, Butch cherished his family. He especially loved cheering on his grandchildren in all their activities — watching Lauren dance, Reed play soccer, and Addie swim. Some of his happiest memories were made on family vacations to Destin. He found his greatest happiness in the moments spent with those he loved, creating treasured memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by a brother in infancy, Richard Bicanic, and a son in infancy, Gary Bicanic.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted wife of sixty-seven years, Violet “Vi” Bicanic; his loving children, Louis A. (Lori) Bicanic III., of Maryville, Illinois, and Richard (Teresa) Bicanic of Collinsville, Illinois; his cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Sean) Hazlett of Maryville, Illinois, Reed Bicanic, and Addison Bicanic, both of Collinsville, Illinois; his precious great-granddaughter, Hallie Anne Hazlett; along with extended family and countless dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
In celebration of his life, a Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Maryville, IL., with Father Rob Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois.
Memorial donations may be made to Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and will be accepted at the funeral chapel or church.
