John William Schildknecht, age 76, was born October 12, 1948 in Belleville, Ill., and passed away August 28, 2025.

John grew up in O'Fallon and attended O'Fallon Township High School. He was the former owner of St. Louis Freight Car through the 1980s – 90s. After a short retirement, he partnered with his son John, Jr. to purchase the historic Thomas Hardware building in downtown O'Fallon, renovated it, and turned it into a local favorite, Shooter's Bar & BBQ. John created the menu and sauce recipes for the restaurant.  He had a great sense of humor and loved to cook for the Shriners and enjoyed travelling to Las Vegas.

Surviving are his significant other Debra Wright of Fairview Heights; children John (Sara) Schildknecht, Jr., of O'Fallon; Kari (Jason) Wanzer of Germantown, TN; and Bret (Ivette Medina) Schildknecht of O'Fallon; grandchildren Jake and Ryan Schildknecht, Ethan and Sydney Wanzer; sister Lynn (Bob) Stroh; and nephew Rob (Maureen) Stroh.

He was preceded in death by his parents Fern, nee Reinhardt, and Clarence Schildknecht.

Memorial donations are suggested to Shriners Hospital.

Visitation will be held 4 – 8 pm, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, IL.

Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com. Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon, is serving the Schildknecht family.