Arthur "Art" Warnecke

Arthur J. “Art” Warnecke, Sr., 94, of Highland, IL, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Cedarhurst of Highland, in Highland, IL, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on June 22, 1931, in Milwaukee, WI, to Arthur Ludwig and Frances Marie (nee O’Keefe) Warnecke. On January 5, 1952, he married Delores Alswager in Peshtigo, WI.

Art was a member at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL, Knights of Columbus Council 1580, 4th Degree Assembly 0231. He was the past Chairman of St. Paul Kirchenfest. Art loved his wife and family; he always made you feel important with his special way of communicating and making everyone feel loved and valued. He loved to play baseball when he was younger and played with the Cleveland Browns organization but never got called up. He worked until he was 77 years old. Art carried candy to pass out to everyone he saw. He loved to kid and keep it going, was an avid hunter, enjoyed going to Kentucky Lake, boating, was a patriot that loved his country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Frances Warnecke; wife, Delores; brother, Frederick “Fritz” Warnecke; sister-in-law, Carol Warnecke; sister Ellen Sager, brother-in-law, Karl Sager; sister, Jane Schiedermayer; brother-in-law, Bill Schiedermayer; great grandchildren, Nora & Weldon Horstmann.

Art is survived by his children, James (Vicki) Warnecke, Highland, IL, Deborah (Wayne) Keeven, Highland, IL, Cheri (Wayne) Horstmann, Goreville, IL, Donna (Mark) Goestenkors, Glen Carbon, IL, Art Warnecke, Jr., Highland, IL, Bill Warnecke, Collinsville, IL, Mary Nelson, Highland, IL; brother, Gerald (Josephine) Warnecke, Humboldt, TN; 20 grandchildren, Melody (Steve) Ellis, Jimmy (Emily) Warnecke, Tim (Jessica) Warnecke, Kelly (Jon) Keeven-Swedien, Nick Keeven, Dusty Keeven, Patti (significant other, Chris Ryan) Keeven, Kevin (Jordan) Keeven, Mark (significant other, Jennifer) Keeven, Shannon Horstmann, Jackie (Kent) Manning, Jacob (Jackie) Horstmann, Patrick (Kristin) Horstmann, Joe (Jessica) Horstmann, Michael (significant other, Liz Ireland) Warnecke, Daniel Warnecke, Shandi (Adam) Rakers, Christopher Warnecke, Kennedy Nelson, Camden Nelson; 33 great grandchildren, Madalyn Trauernicht, Lexie & Landon Ellis, Collin, Caleb & Ben Warnecke, Trevor & Jemma Warnecke, Karlee, Jonas and Janie Swedien, Cora and Sophie Keeven, Nova and Drew Keeven, Kylee (Lane) Wellen, Tucker and Libby Horstmann, Alix (Sam) Million, Vince Horstmann, Sidney and Jace Manning, Adi, Gentry and Ollie Horstmann, Chloe, Dylan and Chance Warnecke, Lillie, Reed and Finley Rakers, Axel & Gray Warnecke; great- great- grandchildren, Silas and Sibal Million.

Memorial donations may be made to Highland High School Football or Focus Marine Foundation – supports Veterans after their military service.

Visitation: Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Friday, April 24, 2026, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:30 am, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL

Clergy: Fr. Pat Jakel

Interment: St. Joseph Cemetery, Highland, IL (Private at a date to be determined.)

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL