Gerald Edwin Hitzemann, 80, of Red Bud, passed away at 2:11 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at his residence. Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 5 from 4-8 p.m. at Pechacek Funeral Homes in Red Bud and on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 9-10 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Red Bud. The funeral service will be held at the church on Oct. 6 at 10 a.m. with Rev. Scott Hojnacki officiating. Interment will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Red Bud (Prairie).