Earl G. Dotzauer, 95, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 12:20 p.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones by his side. He was born January 30, 1931, in Columbia, Illinois, the youngest son of the late Arthur and Minnie (Busch) Dotzauer.
He married Marie (Manguso) Dotzauer on October 13, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri, and were blessed with two sons, Donald and Dale. Together, Earl and Marie shared the jubilation of becoming grandparents later in life who were the shared joys of their lives before Marie’s passing on November 8, 2001.
Earl dedicated his professional life to the banking industry, serving as the Chief Financial Officer of First Granite City National Bank prior to its merger with Union Planters and ultimately, Magna Bank. He was respected for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering work ethic throughout his distinguished career. His education included studies through the American Institute of Banking, Illinois Bankers School-Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and graduation from The School for Bank Administration at the University of Wisconsin.
A man deeply devoted to his Community, Earl generously gave his time and talents to many local organizations over the years. He served as chairman of the Granite City Tree of Lights campaign with The Salvation Army, worked many years with the Crusade to Conquer Cancer through the Madison County Unit of the American Cancer Society, served as chairperson of Budget and Allocations for the Tri-Cities Area United Way, and was a Past President of the Granite City Jaycees.
His many contributions were recognized through numerous honors, including the Granite City Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award, the Paul Harris Fellow Award through Rotary International, and the prestigious JCI Senatorship Award, the highest honor bestowed by Junior Chamber International.
A proud patriot, Earl honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was also a longtime member of the Granite City Elks Lodge, where he cherished the fellowship and friendships formed throughout the years.
Earl found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fishing, tending to his garden, and cheering on his favorite St. Louis sports teams, especially the St. Louis Rams during their years in St. Louis. Earl’s long term loyalty to St. Louis’ sports teams was ultimately rewarded by the Rams’ Super Bowl victory on his 69th birthday which he attended with his son, Donald. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose kindness, wisdom, and gentle spirit will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. His sharp wit and one-liners will live on forever in his family’s memory.
He is survived by his son, Donald Dotzauer of Manchester, Missouri and Key West, Florida; his longtime companion and soulmate, Vickie Wallace of Granite City; four grandchildren, Jessica (Stephan) Grimm, Laura Dotzauer, Meagan (Jacob) Williams, and Christopher (Georgia) Dotzauer; five great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; extended family members; and countless dear friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his youngest son, Dale James Dotzauer of Granite City, Illinois; his brother, Howard Dotzauer, and two sisters, Hazel Roessler and Myrtle Schneider, all of Columbia, Illinois.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City, on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Randy Vollmar officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery in Columbia, Illinois.
Earl and Vickie traveled to Key West, Florida several times a year over the last decade and became honorary members of the Key West charitable community. Per Earl’s request, memorials may be made to his son’s charitable bicycling team, Key West Mile Markers, Inc., 821 Southard Street, Key West, Florida 33040. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.irwinchapel.com.
