Orville F. Haudrich

Orville F. Haudrich, 94, of Millstadt, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 20, 1931, in Paderborn, Illinois, to Joseph and Eliza Haudrich, nee Neff, and they precede him in death. He married Marilyn Speichinger on February 9, 1955, and she preceded him in death on October 22, 2023, after 68 years of marriage. Orville also was preceded in death by his brothers Leroy (Lauretta) and Jerome Haudrich; brothers-in-law Roy, William, Leo, and Robert (Ruth) Speichinger, and Glenn Bettis; his sister-in-law Arlene (Tony) Neff, as well as his granddaughter, Abbie Haudrich.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving children: Linda (Mike) Tucker, JoAnn (Willie) Holdener, Larry (Adriene) Haudrich, Dennis (Michelle) Haudrich, and Diane (John) Sweeney; his sister, Delores Bettis; sister-in-law, Alice Speichinger; his cherished grandchildren: Sara Skaer, Brittany (Ronny) Geissert, Zachary (Brittany) Skaer, Willie (Kalyn) Holdener, Jr., Heather (Jay III) Haines, Holly (Colin) Tracy, Samuel Haudrich, Koby Haudrich, Brock Haudrich, Asa Haudrich, Kane (Natalie) Sweeney, Kyle (Ashley) Sweeney, and Johnny Sweeney; his dear great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Cozette, William, Paisley, Evelyn, Jay IV, Emma, Kashton, Callum, Violet, Kolton, Miles, and Gavin, in addition to many nieces, nephews, extended family, and beloved friends.

Orville was an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, the Knights of Columbus for 67 years where he served as Grand Knight from 1969-1971, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7980, and the Commercial Club. He bravely served his country in the United States Army from 1952-1954 and was stationed in occupied Germany. During his service, he was awarded both the Army Occupation Medal (Germany) and the National Defense Service Medal.

Orville loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports, enjoyed dancing polkas and waltzes with his beloved wife, Marilyn, and enjoyed barbecuing on his big open pit with some hickory wood. Orville and Marilyn were often found playing cards with family and friends, as well as attending church picnics throughout the area. Orville will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and dear friend of many.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Hoffen Funeral Home, 220 West Washington Street in Millstadt. The Knights of Columbus will conduct a walk-through at 7:00pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am at St. James Catholic Church, 405 West Madison Street in Millstadt with Msgr. Marvin Volk, celebrant. Interment with full military honors will take place at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

Memorial contributions in memory of Orville F. Haudrich may be directed to: St. James Catholic Church, St. James Catholic School, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, or the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Envelopes will be available at both the funeral home and the church.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.