Mirror, Steelville Star-Crawford Steelville, Crawford Co. MO
Local Obituaries for the Week of March 27, 2013
James Allen Christeson
James Allen Christeson of St. James, Missouri was born December 8, 1961 in
St. Louis, Missouri to Melvin and Edna Marie Raymo Littleton and passed
away suddenly at his home on Friday March 22, 2013 at the age of 51 years.
On April 29, 1995, in Potosi, Missouri, James was united in marriage to
Susan Lynn Railey.
He is survived by wife, Susan Christeson of St. James, Missouri; son,
Randall Christeson-Railey and wife Jennifer of Bland, Missouri; daughter,
Crystal Christeson-Railey of St. James, Missouri; brothers, John Christeson
and wife Shirley of Potosi, Missouri and Dale Christeson and wife Ann of
St. James, Missouri; sisters, Louise Strauser and husband Donald of
Mineral Point, Missouri, Donna Zimmer of Arkansas, Edna Belcher and
husband Jerry of Belle, Missouri, Carol Belcher and husband Ronald of
St. James, Missouri; grandchildren, Carlos Castillo, Hannah Railey and
Skylee Railey; other relatives and friends.
A memorial service was conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday March 26, 2013 at
the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri with Mick Thrasher
officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James,
Missouri.
Penelope Ganske
Penelope Ganske, formerly of Steelville, Missouri, was born July 29, 1943
in St. Louis, Missouri to Ervin Winford and Corine Ella (Campbell) Romine
and passed away March 23, 2013 in Porter Texas at the age of 69 years.
She grew up in Steelville, Missouri and attended area schools.
She married Donald Gene Ganske on July 28, 1983.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Corine Romine; four
brothers, Gerald Romine, Homer Romine, Ervin Romine and Robert Romine.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Ganske of Porter, Texas; son,
Raymond Reid; daughters and sons-in-law, Stacy and Marvin Owens, Tammy
and Craig Brandon, and Emma Henry and Jose Fonseca; sisters, Corine
Novelle Courtney and Judith Carol Kempf; sister-in-law and brother-in-law,
Joyce and Mike Stegent; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren;
other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at the
Memorial Oaks Chapel with Pastor Virgil Pecht officiating.
Interment was in the Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham, Texas.
Penelope’s grandsons and nephews served as pallbearers.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the Memorial Oaks Chapel in
Brenham, Texas.
Bonnie Gruber
Bonnie Gruber of Cambridge, Minnesota was born in Montevideo, Minnesota
on February 4, 1948 and passed away March 17, 2013 at the age of 65 years.
Bonnie searched for new paths to explore. Her youthful spirit, smile and
giggle accompanied her down unfamiliar yet exciting roads. Her journeys
inspired her love to explore state parks, hiking, and traveling with Paul
and at least one Chihuahua at her side.
Bonnie shared her love of exploration through her teaching and tutoring,
as she inspired students to explore their own new paths.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Cora Hendrickson.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Gruber; children, Andrea (Tony)
Alferness and Patrick (Karen) Gruber; sister, Carol Sandberg; grandson,
Alex Johnson; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at the Cambridge Chapel.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013 at Strike
Funeral Home, Cambridge Chapel with Rev. Don Genereux officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Strike Funeral Home Cambridge
Chapel, Minnesota.
Dallas Ray Halbert
Dallas Ray Halbert of Cherryville, Missouri was born on Saturday,
October 29, 1932 in Falls City, Nebraska to Ralph and Irene Key Halbert
and passed Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the age of 80 years, 4 months
and 21 days.
Dallas served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the
Korean War.
He married Ileen Jean McKeen on November 3, 1962 in Salem, Missouri and
to this union one son was born.
Dallas worked as a mechanic for 35 years at Doe Run Company in Viburnum,
Missouri.
He attended Rivers of Life Church, Steelville, Missouri.
His hobbies were trout fishing, playing horseshoes and pool, listening
to bluegrass music, watching go-cart and car races. He enjoyed his daily
visits with many friends at the local restaurants. He also enjoyed farming
and raising cattle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Irene Halbert;
brother, Donald Halbert; stepfather, George Gibbs; sister, Shirley
Hedrick; brothers-in-law, Tom Wilhite and Johnny Strange; stepbrothers,
Dale (Verla) Gibbs and Kenneth Wayne Gibbs; stepsisters, Argie (Warren)
Parrett and Clio (Kenneth) Ware.
He is survived by his wife, Ileen Halbert of Cherryville, Missouri; son,
Dan (Lisa) Halbert of Steelville, Missouri; sisters, Nellie Wilhite of
Davisville, Missouri and Margaret Hampton of Viburnum, Missouri;
stepsisters, Loretta (Jesse “Skeets”) Howdeshell of Bourbon, Missouri and
Josephine Strange of Hillsboro, Missouri; half brothers, Claird (Joyce)
Gibbs of Dillard, Missouri and Tom (Phyllis) Gibbs of Davisville, Missouri;
brother-in-law, Delbert Hedrick of Viburnum, Missouri; sisters-in-law,
Patricia Schweagerle of Cuba, Missouri, Shirley McKeen and Karen Manning,
all of Rolla, Missouri; step sister-in-law, Barbara Gibbs of Sulphur
Springs, Indiana; grandchildren, Dillon Halbert, Ashleigh and Nicholas
Hatcher; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Sunday, March 24, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. and funeral service
was Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home,
Steelville, Missouri.
Burial was at the Freeman Cemetery, Cherryville, Missouri with full
military honors.
Arrangements under the direction of the Hutson Funeral Home, Steelville,
Missouri.
Gloria Florence Harke
Gloria Florence Harke of Steelville, Missouri was born September 9, 1927
in Wautoma, Wisconsin to Rueben and Florence Henke Rohde and passed away
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at her home at the age of 85 years.
On December 17, 1976, she was united in marriage to Norlen Harke.
Gloria and Norlen owned and operated Factory Direct Pools and Spas since
1991 in Steelville. She attended Bourbon Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Gloria loved to travel and she and Norlen went on many cruises together.
She enjoyed knitting and loved to cook.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rueben and Florence Rohde.
She is survived by her husband, Norlen Harke of Steelville, Missouri;
three daughters, Georgia Christianson and husband Russell Larson of
Kalispell, Montana, Cheryl Wilkerson and friend Dean Garrick of Steelville,
Missouri and Melody Watson and husband Craig of Oswego, Illinois; one
stepson, Binny Harke of Nashville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, April
Logulo and husband Carlos, Alexia Christensen, Brooke Watson and Ryan
Watson and wife Erin; two great grandchildren, Savannah and Gabriel
Logulo; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Britton-
Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the
Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, Missouri with Pastor Roy
Weeden officiating. Special music of “Oh, What a Savior” and “How Great
Thou Art” was sung by Paul Lathum and the prelude was played by Leslie
Craig. Memories were shared by David Hartwick.
Arrangements under thte direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home
of Steelville, Missouri.
Jerry Neal Housewright
Jerry Neal Housewright of O’Fallon, Missouri was born May 19, 1931 in
Salem, Missouri to Lilburn and Virginia Watkins Housewright and passed
away Sunday, March 17, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 81 years.
On February 18, 2000 he was united in marriage to Doris Hunt Stewart.
Jerry served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was of the
Catholic Faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lilburn and Virginia Housewright;
and one sister, Joyce Ludemann.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Stewart of O’Fallon, Missouri; four
sons, Samuel Housewright of O’Fallon, Missouri, Charles Housewright of
Augusta, Missouri, Keith Housewright and wife Helen of St. Jacob,
Illinois and David Housewright and wife Chrissy of Warrenton, Missouri;
two daughters, Joyce Short and husband Dale of Wentzville, Missouri and
Amy Wolfe of St. Charles, Missouri; two brothers, Larry Whitmore Jr. of
Wright City, Missouri and Pat Whitmore of St. Charles, Missouri; one
sister, Joan Morgan of Harbor, California; 11 grandchildren; six great
grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Graveside services were held at noon on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at the
Barnicle Chapel Cemetery, Steelville, Missouri. Memories were shared by
members of the family.
Interment was in the Barnicle Chapel Cemetery. Full military honors were
given by the U.S. Army and the St. James VFW # 5608.
Arrangements under the direction of the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home
of Steelville, Missouri.
Ronald Merle Ireland
Ronald Merle Ireland was born on December 20, 1933 to George and Gertrude
Avis (Riley) Ireland in Harthorn, Missouri and passed away March 20, 2013
at the age of 78 years and 3 months.
He was united in marriage to Gloria Jane Bell in Yellville, Arkansas on
January 7, 1984.
He served his country in the Army. He was a Repeater Technician for the
telephone company.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Gertrude Avis Ireland;
one brother, Kenny Ireland and one sister, Naomi Skyes.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Ireland of St. James, Missouri; one son,
Kevin Merle Ireland of St. Charles, Missouri; one brother, Carl Ireland of
Vienna, Missouri; one granddaughter, Amanda; other relatives and friends.
Memorial services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 22, 2013 with
full military honors at the First Assembly of God Church in St. James,
Missouri with Mick Thrasher officiating.
Arrangements under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James,
Missouri.
John Way “JW” Jones
John Way “JW” Jones of Crocker was born on March 25, 1925, at Crocker,
Missouri to Floy and Beulah (Smelcer) Jones and passed away at 11:45 a.m.
on Friday, March 15, 2013 at the age of 87 years, 11 months and 20 days.
JW was united in marriage on July 21, 1950 in Arkansas, to Evelyn Marie
Peterson and to this union four children were born.
JW was a United States Navy veteran, a member of the Swedeborg Christian
Church and was a Charter member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
No. 4956, Crocker.
He had worked at the Commissary at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri as a
produce manager. JW enjoyed working in his yard and traveling.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn on April 18, 2012; one son,
Terry Jones in 1986; his parents, Floy and Beulah; one brother, Reber Jones
and two sisters, Hazel Staton and Kathryn Skaggs.
He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Lillian Jones of
Centerview, Missouri; two daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and William
Goldsmith of Crocker, Missouri and Anne and Brian Clark of Steelville,
Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Gail Jones of St. Louis, Missouri; one
sister, Lois Smokov of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one brother-in-law, Jimmy
Skaggs of Crocker, Missouri; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren;
other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted at noon on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 in the
Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker, Missouri with Pastor Benjamin
Vankuren from the First Baptist Church in Crocker, Missouri, officiating.
Jimmy Moore sang “I’ll Fly Away” and “Precious Memories” for the service.
Interment with full military honors was in the Crocker Public Cemetery under
the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services,
Crocker.
Pallbearers were Brian Jones, Kevin Green, Philip Henke, Andy Jones,
Jesse Woodall and Jason Huey. Honorary pallbearer was Matthew Pope.
Arrangements under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home in
Crocker, Missouri.
Bertha Ellen Kiddy
Bertha Ellen Kiddy of Sullivan, Missouri, was born on January 1, 1928 at
French Creek, Missouri and passed away, Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at the age
of 85 years.
She owned and operated several restaurants throughout the years and also
worked at the Sweetheart Candy Company. She was best known however, as an
accomplished seamstress. She loved animals and serving others. Bertha was
also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the V.F.W. of Sullivan, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth W. Belfield; and three sisters,
Dorothy Winick, Dollie Douglass and Lena Lamkey.
She is survived by two sons, Charles Belfield of Sullivan, Missouri and
Michael Belfield of Licking, Missouri; one daughter, Janet Sauchegraw of
Leasburg, Missouri; one brother, Melvin Lamkey of the state of Oregon;
11 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday,
March 15, 2013 in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Potosi, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan,
Missouri.
Catherine Manues
Catherine Manues of Bourbon, Missouri was born March 23, 1947, in
St. Louis, Missouri and passed away Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the age
of 65 years, 11 months and 25 days.
She was married to Don Manues in 1985.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Vernon and Beatrice
Philomean Marlen Ray; her husband, Don; daughter, Leslie Blanton, and an
infant sister, Patricia.
She is survived by her children, Pam Blanton of Columbia, Missouri,
Carol Blanton of Columbia, Missouri, Tommy Blanton of St. James, Missouri
and Danny Blanton of Fordland, Missouri; step-children, Louis Blackwell of
Gerald, Missouri, Frank Blanton of Sullivan, Missouri, Joan King of
Bourbon, Missouri, Johnny Blanton of Bourbon, Missouri and Kathy Shoemaker
of Owensville, Missouri; 12 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three
sisters, Glenda Neff of Leasburg, Missouri, Sue Batson of Washington,
Missouri and Carol Churovish of Granite City, Illinois
Visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the
Sassmann Funeral Home in Belle, Missouri.
Funeral service was Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11 a.m. from the Sassmann
Funeral Home in Belle, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Sassmann Funeral Home, Belle,
Missouri.
Marian Namiko Munekata
Marian Namiko Munekata of Cuba, Missouri, formerly of Bel Air, Maryland,
was born August 3, 1921 in Paiea Maui, Hawaii and passed away Saturday,
March 16, 2013 at at the age of 91 years.
Marian retired after 20 plus years of dedicated service as an
Administrative Assistant for Victoria Ward, Ltd. in Hawaii. After she
retired she moved to Bel Air, Maryland to be close to her son and his
family, so she could help take care of and spoil her grandchildren. In her
spare time she enjoyed gardening, flower arranging and sewing.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Satoshi, Michio,
Yoshio and Takeshi Munekata.
She is survived by her son, Jeff and wife Carol Munekata; two grand-
children, David Galen and Elisabeth Dolores Munekata all of Bel Air,
Maryland; her dear friend Dolores Stauffer of Cuba, Missouri; other
relatives and friends.
As per her request, she was cremated.
Memorial service will be held at Immanuel Christian Church in Kaneohe,
Hawaii followed by inurnment at Hawaii Memorial Park Cemetery in Kaneohe,
Hawaii.
Arrangements under the direction of the Mizell Funeral Home, Cuba,
Missouri.
Georgetta “Chick” Shasserre
Georgetta “Chick” Shasserre nee Kamler of Cuba, Missouri was born Monday,
April 7, 1924 in Japan, Missouri to Joseph J. and Ida Ellen Enloe Kamler
and passed away Friday, March 22, 2013 at the age of 88 years, 11 months
and 15 days.
Georgetta married Frank Paul Shasserre, Jr. in Cuba, Missouri on
October 10, 1945 and to this union four children were born.
During World War II, Georgetta supported the war effort with her employment
at an ammunition plant and other war related industries in St. Louis. She
continued her support by being a life member in the DAV and American Legion
Auxiliaries. For many years, she also made over 600 bibs a year for the
St. James Veteran’s Home.
Georgetta was a 4-H project leader for more than 30 years influencing the
lives of many youth in our area. She was a homemaker and also helped her
husband on the farm.
Georgetta and Frank’s marriage was strong for over 67 years. Frank’s
devotion to her allowed Georgetta to live at their home over the past
several years when Georgetta’s health was declining.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ida Kamler;
parents-in-law, Frank Shasserre, Sr. and Helen; sister and brother-in-law,
Marie and Willard Klouzek; sisters-in-law, Reba Kamler, Barbara Kamler and
Lillian Kamler; brother-in-law, Doris Spurgeon and niece Karen Sue Kamler.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Shasserre of Cuba, Missouri;
children, Paul (Debbie) Shasserre of Cuba, Missouri, Sharon (Russell) Bell
of Manhattan, Kansas, Tom (Marsha) Shasserre of Chamois, Missouri and
Michelle (Matt) Hughes of St. Clair, Missouri; brothers, Curtis (Dee)
Kamler of Webb City, Missouri, Melvin (Noma) Kamler and John (Grace) Kamler,
all of Cuba, Missouri; sister Frances (Hugh) McNary of Union, Missouri;
brother-in-law, Bob (Helen) Shasserre of Steelville, Missouri; 10 grand-
children; 10 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was Monday, March 25, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. and funeral service
was Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba,
Missouri with Pastor Hugh McNary officiating.
Burial was at the Kinder Cemetery, Cuba, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba,
Missouri.
Dorothy Louise Simmerly
Dorothy Louise Simmerly was born November 24, 1934 in Granite City,
Illinois to William and Louise Hinch Compton and passed away Tuesday,
March 19, 2013 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan, Missouri at the
age of 78 years.
She loved fishing and baseball and she was an avid Cardinals fan.
She is survived by two sons, Jimmy Simmerly of Bourbon, Missouri and
Billy Simmerly and wife Angie of Bourbon, Missouri; special niece and
caregiver, Toni Ogden; special granddaughter and caregiver, Amy Protte-
Young; son-in-law, John Perkins; nine grandchildren; 10 great grand-
children; special friend, Dean Beyrise; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the
Eaton Funeral Home in Bourbon, Missouri.
Funeral services followed at 1 p.m. at the Eaton Funeral Home with Pastor
Mike Delashmit officiating.
Burial was in the Bourbon Cemetery in Bourbon, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home in Bourbon,
Missouri.
Dorothy Ann Trippensee
Dorothy Ann Trippensee was born October 19, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri to
John Thomas and Hazel Metcalf Burlison and passed away on Wednesday,
March 20, 2013 in Quincy, Illinois at the age of 85 years.
An avid roller skater, Dorothy was introduced to James R. Trippensee by
friends at the St. Louis Arena skating rink. On October 26, 1946 they were
married at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church. They celebrated 51 years
together before Jim’s passing on May 15, 1998.
She enjoyed cooking, sewing and traveling, both on family vacations and
business trips with Jim for Ralston Purina, and spending time with family
and friends at “The Cabin” in Cuba, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; one sister, Margaret Mann
and two brothers, William Burlison and Eugene Burlison.
She is survived by her children, Gayle Lavin and husband Tom of Huntsville,
Alabama, Catherine Hirner and husband John of Hannibal, Missouri and Jim
Trippensee Jr. of Cuba, Missouri; grandchildren, Stephanie Hall and husband
Ed of Buford, Georgia, Chris Lavin of Huntsville, Alabama and Josh Hirner
of Irvine, California; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held on Sunday, March 24, 2013 from 3-6 p.m. at the Kutis
Affton Chapel in St. Louis, Missouri.
Funeral services were Monday, March 25, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the Kutis
Affton Chapel in St. Louis, Misosuri.
Interment was in the Sunset Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of the Kuttis Funeral Home.
Reprinted with permission from the Obituary page of the
Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror Web site.
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