Robert Haentzler, 80, of Belleville, died on Aug. 25, 2013, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born Oct. 23, 1932, in Belleville, the son of the late Gustave and Carrie (nee Whitworth) Haentzler. Mr. Haentzler is survived by sons, Robert A. (Judy) Haentzler of Waterloo and Christofer Haentzler of Chester; daughters, Janey (Pat) McKillip of Freeburg and Jenny Haentzler of Belleville; grandchildren, Brett and Curtis Haentzler and Andrew McKillip; a sister, Phyllis Biehl, with whom he was very close; step-son, Brandon (Nicole) Wachalz; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Haentzler; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews; and special friends Joe Quevereaux, Paul Voss and Angelo Leoni. He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Betty Lou Haentzler; an infant son, William; sisters, Lenos Siegler, Helen Geary and Lois (Janey) Doty; and a brother, James Lawrence (Bo) Haentzler. Mr. Haentzler was employed as a large appliance salesman at Sears, both in Belleville and Fairview Heights. Bob enjoyed gardening very much, growing the best tasting vegetables, and was very generous in sharing his produce. He also enjoyed fishing, golfing and socializing with family and his many friends. In his younger years, Mr. Haentzler pitched on the Belleville Township High School baseball team. His love of all sports, especially baseball, continued throughout his life, and he was an avid Cardinals fan. According to his wishes, Mr. Haentzler was cremated and will be put to rest next to his beloved wife Betty. A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family at a time to be determined. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.
JoAnn Marie Oakley, nee Osterhage, 75, died Aug. 25, 2013. She was born Sept. 30, 1937, in East St. Louis, the daughter of the late Wilbur and Alice Osterhage. Over the years she has lived in Waterloo, Fanwood, N.J.; Toms River, N.J.; and Port Jefferson Station, N.Y. Mrs. Oakley is survived by her children, Susan (Dennis) Daly, Debbie (Paul) McGuire, Bob (Magdala) Oakley, Randy (Barbara) Oakley, Mike (Patty) Oakley and Steve (Maria) Oakley; grandchildren, Julia, Austin, Mark, Mike, Tyler, Patrick, Erin, Kristen, Christian, Joshua, Caraline, Julia and Jacob; siblings, Judy (Joe) Mathews, Bonnie (John) Wirth, Bob (Sharon) Osterhage , Ken (Debbie) Osterhage and Keith (Bonnie) Osterhage, all of Illinois; and aunts Mildred Kerens and Cathleen Glessner; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. JoAnn had worked for Osterhage Construction Company, Zep Manufacturing and Airco Industrial Gases. She acquired her Bachelor’s Degree in 1992 from Kean University. Visitation was at Clayton Funeral Home in Kings Park, N.Y. Funeral was at St. Joseph RC Church. Memorials may be made to Hospice House of East Northport, N.Y., or to the Lustgarten Foundation.
Myra Jean Reuss, nee Juenger, 75, of Waterloo, died Aug. 27, 2013, in Belleville. She was born June 17, 1938, in Belleville, the daughter of the late Leonard and Armeta (nee Weilmuenster) Juenger. Mrs. Reuss is survived by her husband, Dale Reuss; sons, Brent (Teri) Reuss and Keith (Diana) Reuss; grandchildren, Adam (Shawn) Reuss, Ryan Reuss, Rachel Reuss (fiancé Robbie Williams) and Stephanie Reuss (friend Andy Bachmann); great-grandchildren, Brennan Reuss and Avery Reuss; a sister, Darlene (Vernon) Recker; and brothers-in-law, Leonard Mullins and Maurice (Ruth) Reuss. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde Juenger; sister, Rosalie Mullins; in-laws Edwin and Emma Reuss; and a brother-in-law, Harold Birkner. Mrs. Reuss was a member of the St. Paul UCC of Waterloo choir, the Red Hat Society and the Monroe County Garden Club. Visitation and funeral were at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor James Watson officiating. Mrs. Reuss was buried at Lakeview Cemetery in Fairview Heights. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul UCC Stephen's Ministry.
Luella Anna Toenjes, nee Mueth, 90, of Millstadt, died Aug. 25, 2013 at the Freeburg Care Center. She was born July 30, 1923, in Floraville, the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (nee Becker) Mueth. Mrs. Toenjes is survived by her husband of 66 years, George “Dick” Toenjes, Jr.; sons, Michael “Birdseed” (Cathy) Toenjes of Millstadt, Ronald (Debby) Toenjes of Georgetown, Tex., and Norman “Shorty” (Kathy) Toenjes of Millstadt; a daughter, Rita (Jeff) Helfrich of Millstadt; grandchildren, Allison Toenjes, Wade (fiancé Jenny McWilliams) Toenjes, Todd Toenjes, Ryan Toenjes, Tiffany (Brian) Markus, Lauren (J.V.) Fiss, Brett (Brittany Stahr) Toenjes, Emily Toenjes, Brad Helfrich, Jacob Toenjes and Max Helfrich; great-grandchildren, Bryce Andrew Markus, Charli May Fiss and Tessa Rene Toenjes; a brother, Sylvester “Tuffy” Mueth; sister-in-law, Almira Mueth; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Floyd “Flip” (Eulene) Toenjes and Glenn “Giss” (Joyce) Toenjes; and her god-children, Kevin Mueth, Julie Toenjes, Danny Toenjes, Linda (nee Mueth) Cain and Nancy (nee Marlen) Alberter. She was preceded in death by her in-laws, George and Alma (nee Eichelmann) Toenjes; siblings, Arthur “Otts” (Alberta) Mueth, Cletus “Dip” (Mildred) Mueth, Henry “Hank” Mueth, Herbert (Marion) Mueth; Emil (Ardella) Mueth, Raymond (Mary) Mueth, Ervin “Tootie” (Gloria) Mueth; Aurelia “Really” (Richard) Alberter and Carson “Corky” Eversmeyer; a sister-in-law, Helen Mueth; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert (Delores) Toenjes, Wilbur “Whip” (Eileen) Toenjes, Donald “Knuckles” (LuAnn) Toenjes and Marlene Toenjes; grandson, Shane Andrew Toenjes; nephew and nieces, Dennis “Bing” Alberter, Betty Mueth Huddleston and Rhonda “Muffy” Mueth Messick. Mrs. Toenjes attended St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt where she was involved in the church’s sodality. She was a member of the Millstadt VFW Post 7980 Ladies Auxiliary, the Millstadt American Legion Post 502 Ladies Auxiliary in Millstadt and the Smithton Turner Ladies. She was employed at the Millstadt Rayon Factory and the West End Fish Stand. Luella enjoyed playing bingo and cards, quilting, picking strawberries, making potato salad at West End Fish Stand for 30 years and was a second baseman for the Floraville softball team. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially watching their baseball, softball, basketball, football and volleyball games. Visitation was at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt. Funeral was at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt with Fr. Marvin Volk officiating. Mrs. Mueth was buried at Mount Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt. Memorials may be made to the St. James Sodality, St. James Athletic Association or Family Hospice.
Dale P. Gummersheimer, 55, of Columbia, died Aug. 2, 2013, at his residence as the result of a fatal injury involving a bull in his pasture. He was born July 26, 1958, in Belleville, the son of the late Harold and Violet (nee Rueck) Gummersheimer. Mr. Gummersheimer is survived by his children, Heather (Tony) Neri, Courtney Gummersheimer and Adam Gummersheimer; granddaughter, Olivia Neri; and brothers, Wayne (Laurie) Gummersheimer and Roger (Kathy) Gummersheimer; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Leon Gummersheimer. Mr. Gummersheimer was a farmer who was also employed at Kuna Food Service in Dupo. He was a member of the Sister Cities and the Monroe County Farm Bureau. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Friz officiating.
Mark Thomas Pautler, 58, of St. Louis, died Aug. 1, 2013. He was born March 12, 1955, in Red Bud, the son of R. Nick Pautler and the late Dorothy (nee Koopmann) Pautler. Mr. Pautler is survived by his wife, Patricia (nee Long) Pautler; children, Erin (Chris) Gluck and Matthew Pautler; sisters, Mary Kelly and Lynn Pautler; and brothers, Stephen Pautler and James Pautler; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Mitchell A. Kelly. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home with Pastor Greg Smith officiating.
Helen L. Brown, nee Bunch, 94, of Waterloo, died Aug. 1, 2013, in Waterloo. She was born Oct. 29, 1918, in Provo, Ky.; the son of the late David Hugh and Lily Mae (nee Pierce) Bunch. Mrs. Brown is survived by her children, Roger Barry (Patricia) Brown, James Jerry Brown, Dian (Steve) Schwartz and Sheila Brown; a son-in-law, Robert Buzzell; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren; along with great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James O. Brown; and a daughter, Kathy Buzzell; along with siblings. Mrs. Brown attended the First Baptist Church in Columbia. Visitation and funeral were at Quernheim Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Warnock officiating. Mrs. Brown was buried at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery.
Dale F. Mathews, 76, of Waterloo, died Aug. 4, 2013, in Creve Coeur. He was born July 23, 1937, in Columbia, the son of the late Simon and Agnes (nee Schneider) Mathews. Mr. Mathews is survived by his children, Linda (Keith) Lenox, Debbie (Jeff) Battin, Daniel Mathews, Dale Mathews and Michael Mathews; a daughter-in-law, Linda Mathews; son-in-law, Douglas Akin; grandchildren, Tera (Ronnie) Harrelson, Angela (Todd) Eschmann, Alicia Wilson, Clay Lennox, Chet Jones, Robert "Bubba" Mathews, Michael Lennox, Nikki Mund, Andrea Mathews, Travis Mathews, Kyle Breitenstein, Kailah Akin and Tiffany and Perry Battin; great-grandchildren, Paige Barker (fiance Matt Strohmeier), Chandler, Chase and Marley Harrelson, Samantha, Abby and Brenden Eschmann, Sophia Whitmore, Cody, Kimberly and Cameron Lennox, Kylie Riggs, J.J., Michael, Jr. and Benjamin Lennox and Carter Ganns; and siblings, Orval (Nancy) Mathews, Clyde (Shirley) Mathews, Dennis (Lynn) Mathews, David Mathews and Janet (Bill) Posey; along with sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son, Robert D. "Odie" Mathews; a daughter, Sandra M. Akin; and a brother, John T. Mathews, Sr. Mr. Mathews attended SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo. He had been employed with Laborer's Local 196. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral was at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo with Father Ron Weber officiating. Mr. Mathews was buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Mercy Palliative Care.
Monroe Kalbfleisch, 88, of Millstadt, died Aug. 5, 2013, Columbia Rehab and Nursing Center. He was born May 31, 1925, in Millstadt, the son of the late Monroe and Elsie (nee Haas) Kalbfleisch. Mr. Kalbfleisch married Edna (nee Kleinschmidt) Kalbfleisch in 1950 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Millstadt. In addition to his wife, Mr. Kalbfleisch is survived by his children, Doyle (Mary) Kalbfleisch of Columbia, Darrel (Lynn) Kalbfleisch of Waterloo and Peggy (Craig) Davis of Belleville; grandchildren, Christopher (Melissa) Kalbfleisch, Angie (Cole) Siburt, Ben (Katie) Kalbfleisch and Cole (Lisa) Davis; and great-grandchildren, Allison, Carter, Carson, Claire and Emma. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Marie Kleinschmidt and Dorothy Keim. Mr. Kalbfleisch was retired from the Missouri Pacific Railroad in Dupo. Visitation and funeral were at Lawlor Funeral Home with Rev. Matthew Friz officiating. Mr. Kalbfleisch was buried at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery (formerly Kleinschmidt Cemetery). Memorials may be made to Autism Speaks or Vitas Hospice.
James J. Ritson Sr., 86, of Columbia, died Aug. 6, 2013, at Barnes Jewish Medical Center. He was born Oct. 24, 1926, in St. Louis, the son of the late Arthur and Nellie (nee Walsh) Ritson. James married Charlsie (nee Buatte) Ritson in 1949 in East St. Louis. In addition to his wife, Mr. Ritson is survived by his children, Mary Ellen (Jack) Dependahl of Waterloo, Deborah (Mark) Riebeling of Columbia and James (Donna) Ritson, Jr. of Columbia; sisters, Marie McCamish of Belleville and Lucille Ritson of Belleville; and a sister-in-law, Mary Ritson of Washington, Mo.; along with 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John Ritson, Arthur Ritson, Jr., and Robert J. Ritson. James attended Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia. Mr. Ritson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He served on the USS Louisville CH 28 in the Pacific Theater in Okinawa during 1945. He retired from Monsanto Corp. after 37 years of employment. He was a member of the Columbia American Legion Post 581, Waterloo V.F.W Post 6504 (Life Member), WW II Memorial (Charter Member), USN Sailors Cruiser Association, and the Knights of Columbus Council 6165. Visitation was at Lawlor Funeral Home. Funeral was at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Columbia with Fr. Carl Scherrer officiating. Mr. Ritson was buried in the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Eugene Schorb - Immaculate Conception School Education Fund.
