Robert and John Bitzer Chief Illiniwek Records and Regalia, 1938-2007 | The Sousa Archives and Center for American Music

John L. Bitzer was born on October 21, 1952 and passed away on July 14, 2023. He graduated from Shelbyville, IL High School in 1970. He attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, serving as Chief Illiniwek, the mascot for the University’s sports teams, for four years. John and his father, Robert, were the only father and son duo who both served as Chief Illiniwek. John graduated in 1974 with a degree in psychology. He received his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1979 and practiced law in Collinsville, IL.

John was active in the community. He and his wife, Mary Ann, had three children.