Jean Marie Hayden, 74, formerly of Lebanon, Mo. and Columbia, died Nov. 4, 2019 at Morning Star at Bear Creek in Colorado Springs, Colo. She was born Jan. 9, 1945 in St. Louis to the late Earl and Mary Jane (nee Ruby) Eschmann. 

Jean graduated from Columbia High School in 1963 and was a homemaker.

Jean is survived by her daughter Michele (Stan) Dobnikar of Divide, Colo., son Matt (fiancé, Vera Stockmann) Hayden of Imperial, Mo. and grandson Hayden Dobnikar; siblings Janet Schaffer of Summerfield, Fla., Jill (James) Harres of Columbia and Earl (Rhonda) Eschmann of Arnold, Mo. 

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Curt Hayden.

There will be no funeral services. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests, with gratitude, that memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Norman W. Lange, 78, of Waterloo, died Nov. 22, 2019, in Waterloo. He was born Dec. 6, 1940, in Waterloo, son of the late Adolph and Leona (nee Lieb) Lange.

He is survived by his wife Jane Lange; children Mark Lange (Joanna Vogt), Jeff (Cindy) Lange, Kate (Ron) Spielman, and Robert Haudrich (Bonnie Ries); grandchildren Luke Lange, Megan and Mariah Lange, Deanna, Mike, and Chad Aubuchon, Taylor and  Bryce O’Connor, and Tyler and Alec Spielman.

Norman was preceded in death by daughter Leica Lange and brother Lee Roy Lange.

Memorial visitation is 4 p.m. until time of service Nov. 26 at Quernheim Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be 6 p.m. Nov. 26 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, Pastor Matt Friz officiating at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Alzheimer’s Association.

Erwin W. “Erv” Liefer, 94, of Waterloo, died Nov. 28, 2019, in Waterloo. He was born April 19, 1925, in Evansville, Ill.

Erwin was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Waterloo; former owner of Liefer’s Garage and Towing Service, which was his passion; member of Waterloo Optimists; mechanic instructor at SWIC, and a member and instructor with Automotive Trade Assn.

He is survived by his daughters Betty Lou (William) Schimpf and Candace “Candy” (Randy) Bise; grandchildren Ryan (Kristi) Schilling, Chrystal (Chris) Luck, Nathan (Jennifer) Bise, and Tiffany Bise; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Darlene Bicklein and Fern and Gilbert Goedelmann; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Lorine M. “Cookie” Liefer (nee Wolter); parents ; sister and brother in childhood.

Visitation was Dec. 1 at Quernheim Funeral Home and Dec. 2 at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

A funeral service was Dec. 2 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Pastor Tony Troup officiating.

Interment followed at Waterloo Cemetery in Waterloo.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Immanuel Lutheran Church  Tuck Pointing Fund.

Wanda L. Cleveland (nee Hergenroeder), 66, died Thursday Nov. 21, 2019 in St. Louis. Born on Sept. 6, 1953 in Red Bud, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Violet Hergenroeder (nee Crook).

Wanda enjoyed crocheting, working at the food pantry, shopping, traveling and driving her school bus. Mostly, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grand babies, and her friends.

 Left to cherish her memory is her husband, John Cleveland, whom she married on Aug. 22, 1970 in Cahokia; her children John (the late Judy) Cleveland, Beth McKenna, Mildred “Mickey” (the late Dennis) Keim, Lonnie (Cheryl) Cleveland, Susan (David) McGee, Charles Prince and Jonathon Prince; her siblings Violet (Jimmy) Harget, Jeffrey Hergenroeder and Kevin (Chandra) Hergenroeder; 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-granddaughter. She was an aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and dear friend to many.

She was also preceded in death by brother Terry Hergenroder and her sisters Elsie Malinski and Eileen Hergenroeder.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Waterloo VFW, 406 Veterans Drive, Waterloo. 

Funeral services will immediately follow. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, 7745 Carondelet Ave. Suite 305, Clayton.

Sharon G. Marquardt (nee Johner), 71, of Red Bud, died Dec. 3, 2019, in Red Bud. She was born July 10, 1948, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Francis and Mabel (nee Schaper) Johner.

Sharon was the former owner of Lincoln Trail Restaurant in Waterloo.

She is survived by her husband Lewellyn R. Marquardt; children Michael (Kimberly) Marquardt, Stephanie (Todd) Wallace; grandchildren Aleah Larsen, Jessica Wallace; sisters Marlene Hanes, Joyce Choate, Peggy (Jerome) Johner, Lynn (Lowell) Ahrens, and Lee (David) Guttmann; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her brothers Leroy “Sonny” Johner, Carmen “Chick” Johner, and Billy Ray Johner.

Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Dec. 5 and 9 a.m. until time of service Dec. 6 at Quernheim Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Dec. 6 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, Rev. Dan Ostlund  officiating.

According to Sharon’s wishes she prefers no flowers or plants. 

Memorial contributions can be made to: Family Wishes.

Roger E. Taake, 66, of Fults, died Dec. 3, 2019, in Fults. He was born Aug. 12, 1953, in Red Bud, son of the late Clarence and Mildred (nee Nolte) Taake.

Roger was a member of St. John United Church of Christ – Maeystown, Fountian Water District Board (VP), Monroe County Farm Bureau, Maeystown Sportsman Club, Maeystown Kloepper Club, he was a former member of Valmeyer Fire Dept. (Chief), Maeystown Fire Dept., Monroe County Fair Board, Valmeyer Jaycees, Maeystown Civic Assn., Monroe County Ambulance Service EMT. Roger was currently farming and retired from Luhr Bros. Inc. and Valmeyer CUSD # 3 School bus driver.

He is survived by his wife Vicki Taake (nee Hoffmann); daughter Cari (Dan) Chaudet; granddaughter Addison Chaudet; brother Gene (Shirley) Taake; sister-in-law Amy (Gene) Hoffmann-Rohlfing; nephew Derek (Lauren Heine) Hoffmann; nieces Claire (Treyton Jones) Hoffmann, Emily (Brian) Derry and Jennifer (Dan) Snell; faithful companion Mollee; great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by father-in-law and mother-in-law Lloyd and Bette Jean Hoffmann and brother-in-law Keith Hoffmann.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Dec. 6 at Quernheim Funeral Home and 9 a.m. until time of service Dec. 7 at St. John United Church of Christ.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Dec. 7 at St. John United Church of Christ in Maeystown, Pastor Patrick Poole officiating.

Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Maeystown.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: St. John UCC Cemetery – Maeystown Asphalt Fund or Donor’ Choice.

Lynn E. Goeddel (nee Riechmann), 71, of Waterloo, died Dec. 4, 2019, in Waterloo. She was born Aug. 22, 1948, in St. Louis, daughter of the late Elmer A. “Ham” and Bernice Riechmann (nee Lark).

She was a member of St. Paul UCC, Waterloo.

She is survived by her husband David Goeddel; children Elise Goeddel Horvath, Toni (Josh) Hogan and Noel (Beth) Goeddel; grandchildren Greyson and Chase Horvath, Ethan, Cannon and Brant Hogan and Lucy and Violet Goeddel; sisters Pat (Dale) Burns and Celeste (Mike) Tichy; aunts; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

Lynn is also preceded in death by her in-laws Eugene and Lucina Goeddel.

Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Dec. 8 at Quernheim Funeral Home and 9 a.m. until time of service Monday at St. Paul United Church of Christ.

A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Dec. 9 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Waterloo, Pastor Michael Southcombe officiating.

Interment will follow at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; St. Paul United Church of Christ; or Donor’s Choice.

Mary Therese Mitan (nee Fenaia), 78, of Valmeyer, died Dec. 5, 2019, in St. Louis. She was born March 8, 1941, in East St. Louis, daughter of the late Anton P. and Viola C. (nee Hennrich) Fenaia.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her devoted husband Alex, six children and eight grandchildren.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Church – Valmeyer, St. Mary’s Choir, Valmeyer Music Boosters and St. Ann’s Altar Sodality.

She is survived by her husband Alex J. Mitan Sr.; children Andrew (Carla) Mitan, Anthony (Courtney) Mitan, James Mitan, Marie (Marc) Friedman, and Kathy (Chris) Laidlaw; grandchildren Allie, Ben, Alec, and Connor Mitan, Harvey and Fiona Laidlaw and Will and Emmaline Friedman; brothers-in-law Kasimier Mitan and Marion Mitan; sisters-in-law Wanda Mitan, Candy Mitan and Pat Mitan; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her son Alex J. Mitan Jr.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Dec. 9 and 8-9:15 a.m. at Quernheim Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Dec. 10 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Valmeyer, Father Felix Chukwuma officiating.

Interment will follow at Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Waterloo.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: St. Mary’s Church, Valmeyer, or National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Donald Warren Huetsch, 73, of Red Bud, died Dec. 4, 2019, in Red Bud. He was born Dec. 20, 1945, in East St. Louis, son of the late Charles V. and Dorothy (nee Oliver) Huetsch.

He is survived by his daughter Ginger Huetsch; Ginger’s mother Charlotte R. Huetsch; his grandchildren JoAnna Huetsch-Barker and Dillon Huetsch-Barker; his brother Darell Huetsch and sister Dvonne Shearer.

He is also preceded in death by his son James W. Huetsch.

 A very special thanks to Ginger’s mother Charlotte R. Huetsch, and Don’s sister and brother in-law Juanita and Lonnie Eiskant Sr.

Private services will follow, inquire with family.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Don’s grandchildren through Ginger Huetsch for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Clara “Clarissa” Mabel Lindhorst, 91, of Waterloo,  died  Dec. 7, 2019 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville. She was born September 24, 1928, in Rolla, Mo., daughter of the late Alfred and Julia (nee Lee) Breeding. 

She was married to the late Clarence J. Lindhorst. They were married in March, 1951, in Columbia. He had passed away Jan. 3, 2001.

Clara, along with her husband Clarence, were long-time farmers in Monroe County. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, furniture restoration and showing her custom red pickup truck, winning several trophies. She was a member of Street Sensation Auto Club and St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia. 

Surviving are her sons, Harry A. (Sarah Rice) Roberts of Columbia and Clarence (Trudy Schauster) Lindhorst Jr. of Dupo; daughter, Linda (Lee) Birkner of Waterloo; daughter-in-law Sharon Roberts of Paris Tenn.; grandchildren Harold Aubuschon, Yvonne Jontry, Tanya O’Brien, Anthony Lindhorst, Eric Birkner and Christopher Birkner; great-grandchildren Elizabeth O’Brien, John O’Brien, Elijah Jontry, Clarissa Jontry, Haley Birkner, Aidan Birkner, Avery Birkner, Owen Birkner and Luke Birkner; sister Doris Hurt of Oakville, Mo.; sister-in-law Ann Haas of Belleville, along with other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her son Larry Roberts; brothers Silas, Earl, Raymond, Alfred, Howard and Paul Breeding; sisters Pauline Moore, Ruth Dooley and Cinderilla Schafer.

Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Lawlor Funeral Home, Columbia. 

Funeral services will follow visitation at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, Rev. Keith McDevitt officiating. 

Interment will follow in the Kolmer Memorial Cemetery, Waterloo.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Vitas Hospice Care, 8 Executive Drive, Fairview Heights.

Ronald Arthur Langhans, 83, of Indianapolis, and formerly of Columbia, died Dec. 4, 2019. He was born May 20, 1936, in Belleville, son of the late Oliver H. and Louise C. (nee Schmidt) Langhans. He was married to the late Shirley (nee Stumpf) Langhans. Shirley passed away April 28, 2018.

Ron graduated from Columbia High School in 1954, and St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Stumpf in 1960. Ron also opened Ron’s Pharmacy on Main Street in Columbia in that same year. He loved his community, school, and church, volunteering often and serving many roles. Ron was a member of the Columbia School Board for over 20 years, instrumental in founding the Columbia Convalescent Center, Columbia Strassenfest, and the Columbia Fourth of July fireworks at the American Legion Park. Other accomplishments include becoming an Eagle Scout in 1949, longtime tireless efforts with the Columbia Booster Club, charter member of the Columbia Quarterback Club, facilitated the construction of the multi-purpose field and baseball field for Columbia High School in 2007, was one of the founders of the Columbia National Bank, member of the St. Paul UCC consistory and cemetery board chairman, Columbia Police Commissioner, founder of City Progress, which held debates for elected positions, and initiated the Main Street Christmas and Halloween decorating. Needless to say, Ron loved his community.

Surviving are his daughter Kendra (David Weidmayer) Langhans of Indianapolis; sister, Mary (Paul) Hillestad of Columbia; brother-in-law Glenn Stechmesser of Columbia; along with other relatives and friends. 

He was also preceded in death by his sister Judy Stechmesser.

Visitation will be 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia. 

Memorial services will be held following the visitation at 2:30 p.m., Pastor Bob Goddard officiating.

Interment will follow in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia. 

A celebration of Ron’s life will also be held 5:30-7:30 p.m Dec. 17 at the Columbia Turner Hall. All are welcome. Suggested attire for the celebration of life is blue and white.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: Columbia Unit #4 School District Foundation, 5 Veteran’s Parkway, Columbia or St. Paul United Church of Christ, 127 N. St. Paul, Columbia.

Janice S. Crawford (nee Joslin), 66, of Columbia died Dec. 14, 2019, in St. Louis. She was born Aug. 15, 1953, in East St. Louis, daughter of the late Carl Norman and Florence Gertrude (nee Mooney) Joslin.

Janice was a member of Human Support Services (board member and past president), Rotary Club – Columbia (past president), House of Neighborly Service (board president), YMCA of Monroe County (board member and past president), Columbia Chamber of Commerce, CROWN member, and a retired Special Education Teacher – Waterloo School District (37 years).

She is survived by her husband Gary L. Crawford; sister Sheri (David) Markham; nephews and nieces David Markham, Michael (I-Fei) Markham, Daniel (Tiffany) Hallows, Randy Kirsch, Kim Kirsch and David (Megan) Kirsch.

She is preceded in death by brother Carl Joslin Jr.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Quernheim Funeral Home and 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at Life Community Church.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Dec. 21 at Life Community Church in Columbia, Pastor Jamey Bridges officiating.

Interment will be at Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Human Support Services or House of Neighborly Service.

Urban R. Wittenauer, 90, of Red Bud, died Dec. 15, 2019, in Waterloo. He was born March 31, 1929, in Hecker, son of the late Harry and Flora (nee Klein) Wittenauer.

Urban was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church – Hecker, Holy Name Society, Red Bud VFW #6632, and Waterloo VFW #6504.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Wittenauer (nee Monroe); children Linda (Bill) Wood, Karen (Kris) Iglehart, Mary Lou Wittenauer, Connie (Bruce) Snyder and David (Cathy) Wittenauer; grandchildren Jennifer (Frank) Blackmon, Ashley (Sean) Guenther, Jesse Rehmer, Jenna Rehmer, Tyler (Erika) Nevois, Erica Nevois, Jade Snyder, Andrew Wittenauer and Erin Wittenauer; great-grandchildren Logan Blackmon, Taylor Blackmon, Pierce Blackmon, Cael Guenther and Garren Guenther; special friend Lewis Schuchardt; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by brothers Henry Wittenauer, Mark Wittenauer and Norbert Wittenauer; sisters Margaret Neff, Leona Englerth and Rita Wittenauer.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. until time of service Dec. 20 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Dec. 20 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church in Hecker, Father Von Deeke officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery in Hecker.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: American Heart Association or St. Augustine Catholic Church – Hecker.

Joseph C. Jung, whose heart, always larger than life, finally gave out at his home on Dec. 9, 2019, in San Francisco. He was born April 13, 1954 in Red Bud,  the son of the late Cletus and Miriam (nee Kunkel) Jung who survives.  

Joe graduated from Gibault Catholic High School in 1972.  He then attended Illinois State University where he graduated in 1976 with a double major in Business Administration and Sociology. He later earned a Masters of Social Work from the same institution and a Masters of Art, Business Administration and Management, from the University of Illinois, Springfield.

His employment history reflects his passion for giving back with organizations from Lighthouse for the Blind to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. He also logged many hours volunteering in both Phoenix and San Francisco at a variety of social services.  Joe loved helping others more than anything, particularly those underserved.    

In addition to his mother, he is survived by sisters Mary Kay and Jean, brothers, Charles, Steve and Mark (Jan) and the countless friends who formed his West Coast family.

Joe will be greatly missed by his family and large group of friends.  

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Dec. 28 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo.

A celebration of life will be held in his adopted city of San Francisco.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to: United Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Bridge School, or your local food bank.

Dorothy Lee Crutchfield (nee Criswell), 91, of Waterloo, died Dec. 21, 2019, in Red Bud. She was born Oct. 9, 1928, in Joplin, Mo., daughter of the late parents Jesse Lee and Lillie (nee Ahlers) Criswell.

She was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ-Waterloo, Choir Women of St. Paul, leader of prayer circle, formerly a member of First United Methodist Church in Lexington where she sang in the choir since 1944 until moving to Waterloo in 2001, Kentucky Retired Teacher Association, graduate of Ashbury University, received a Masters from Murray State College, and was a member of numerous state and national educational organizations.

She is survived by her son David Lee Crutchfield (partner Terri Seyler); grandchildren Andrew “AJ” (Jess Tiemann) Crutchfield and Alyson Anheuser Crutchfield; great-grandson Brayden Lee Crutchfield; nephews Lowell Trueman and Richard (Patricia) Potts; great-niece Trisha Trueman Weaver; great-nephew Jonathan Pott, Chip (Ashley) Potts; many great-great nieces; great-great nephews; and many close relatives and friends.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband James Ruble Crutchfield (married 52 years); sister Lillian Criswell Trueman; brothers John Martin Criswell and Luther Wesley Criswell.

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Dec. 26 at Quernheim Funeral Home and 10 a.m. until time of service Dec. 27 at St. Paul United Church of Christ.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Dec. 27 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Waterloo, Pastor Michael Southcombe officiating.

Interment will follow at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: St. Paul UCC-Waterloo or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Benjamin Eric “Ben” Wilson, 54, of Prairie du Rocher, died Dec. 20, 2019, in Prairie du Rocher. He was born September 7, 1965, in Red Bud.

He is survived by his mother Patricia Wilson (nee Doyle); brother J. Clifford (Geri) Wilson Jr.; sisters Cherie Lee (Steve) Zerwig and Polly Beth Muehlberg; aunts Wilma (Robert) Cashion and Mary Ellen Bowman; uncle Stanley (Fran) Wilson; nieces; nephews; cousins; and friends.

Ben is preceded in death by his father James C. Wilson, brother Joseph W. Wilson, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

Memorial visitation will be 10 a.m. until time of service Jan. 4 at Quernheim Funeral Home.

Memorial service will follow at noon at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, Father John Kizhakedan officiating.

Private interment will be at a later date at St. Patrick Cemetery in Tipton.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: family wishes.

John A. “Jaw” Walsh, 55, of Columbia, born June 24, 1964 in East St. Louis, passed away Dec. 19, 2019 at his residence.

John was employed at Budnick Converting in Columbia. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Shirley, nee Powe, Walsh, Sr.;  a brother, Michael “Mike” Walsh Sr.; and a sister, Pam Stratman.

Surviving are his siblings, Bill (Marcia) Walsh of Valley Park, Mo., Dorothy (Steve) Hornacek of Waterloo, Linda Mansfield of Columbia, Ed (Paula) Walsh Sr. of Grainger, Ind., Mary (Larry) Stephens of Marble Hill, Mo., and Mark (Tina) Walsh of Columbia; and a brother-in-law, Darryl Stratman of Grassy, Mo.. He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

A memorial gathering of family and friends tales place from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 28 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia.

In following John’s wishes his body was to be cremated.

John A. “Jaw” Walsh, 55, of Columbia, born June 24, 1964 in East St. Louis, died Dec. 19, 2019 at his residence.

John was employed at Budnick Converting in Columbia. He enjoyed golfing and spending time with friends.

Surviving are his siblings Bill (Marcia) Walsh of Valley Park, Mo., Dorothy (Steve) Hornacek of Waterloo, Linda Mansfield of Columbia, Ed (Paula) Walsh Sr. of Grainger, Ind., Mary (Larry) Stephens of Marble Hill, Mo. and Mark (Tina) Walsh of Columbia; and brother-in-law Darryl Stratman of Grassy, Mo. He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Shirley, nee Powe, Walsh, Sr.; brother, Michael “Mike” Walsh Sr.; and sister, Pam Stratman.

A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held 3-7 p.m. Dec. 28 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia. 

In following John’s wishes his body was to be cremated.

Robert A. Melliere, 89, of Waterloo, born Nov. 26, 1930 in Valmeyer, son of the late August and Lydia (nee Mueller) Melliere, died Dec. 24, 2019 at Oak Hill in Waterloo.

Robert was a U.S. Army veteran and was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Columbia. He was the owner/operator (along with his two sons) of Melliere Farms. He was a board member of the Monroe County Farm Bureau from 1969 to 1978 and a Trustee of the Valmeyer Fire Dept. Robert was a past member of the Prairie du Rocher Saddle Club.

Surviving are his children, Dee Ann (Jerry) Mecum of Naples, Fla., Lee (Cynthia Bender) Melliere of Columbia and Grant (Barbara) Melliere of Valmeyer;  grandchildren Shannon (Mike) Krebel, Stephanie (Keith) Breitenstein, Chris Melliere and Meagan Melliere; great-grandchildren Mikayla, Caroline and Blair; and a sister-in-law. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend,

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret (nee May) Melliere; four brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.

Friends may visit 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 29 at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, and 9-10 a.m. Dec. 30 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Columbia.  

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Dec. 30 at the church.  

Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Valmeyer.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or the Monroe County Farm Bureau Foundation.

Winnetta Ottoson (nee Koedyker), 90, of Waterloo, died Nov. 13, 2019, in southern St. Louis. 

Winnetta was born  Feb. 10, 1929, in Chicago and brought home by parents Harry and Nellie to the suburb of Roseland on the south side of Chicago, amongst many others of Dutch heritage. Her parents baptized Winnetta as an infant in the Dutch Reformed Church, and raised Calvin and her in that church. Winnetta recalled many fond memories of the neighborhood of her youth, the proximity of the Pullman car factory and trips to downtown Chicago on the street cars. She could recite the main streets of Chicago by memory, and was a life-long fan of the Cubs and Bears. Winnetta enjoyed being independent, initially making her choice to root for the Cubs since her brother picked the White Sox (the more traditional choice for south-siders), and delighted in sparring with her friends and family in the St. Louis region over the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry.

Winnetta’s father, Harry, was a math teacher and boys’ dean at Fenger High School, and she was raised with a high regard for education. Winnetta’s desires to deepen her education and her faith in Jesus led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in education from Wheaton College, where she met Glen Ottoson. Marriage in 1950 was followed by graduation in 1952. Winnetta taught grade school for many years until 1964 when she began raising a family, and again for several more years from 1978 until her retirement in 1995. In 1995 Glen and Winnetta left the Chicago area and settled in St. Charles, Mo. to live near their son’s family. In 2006 they moved from St. Charles to Waterloo, and joined the First Baptist Church of Waterloo. They soon became assistants in that church’s Kids’ Club after-school program. Winnetta continued in the program after Glen’s passing until the end of the school year in 2019. Winnetta joined Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Renault in October.

Winnetta loved music, particularly the traditional music of the Church. Glen and Winnetta regularly participated in church productions of Handel’s Messiah.  Winnetta loved reading, and enjoyed trips with Glen to England, Hawaii and Alaska, as well as many trips to Helena, Montana to see their daughter’s family. Winnetta most of all loved spending time with family, and took great joy in seeing her grandchildren and encouraging their abilities and interests.

She is survived by children Mark (Sandra) Ottoson, and Marilyn (Stephen) Snezek; grandchildren Gwyn Snezek, Remy Snezek, Andrew Ottoson, Ashley Ottoson, Jerry Snezek and Rex Snezek; nieces; nephews; and many dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Glen Ottoson and parents Harry and Nellie (nee Olthoff) Koedyker; and brother Calvin Koedyker.

Visitation is 2-4 p.m. Nov. 17 at Quernheim Funeral Home and 8 a.m. until time of service Nov. 18 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church

A funeral service will be 9 a.m. Nov. 18 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Renault, Rev. Terry Grebing officiating.

Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: Donor’s Choice.