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Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, 1206 Jefferson Street, Washington, MO (2026)

01/09/2026

Richard J. Altemueller

October 30, 1935 - January 7, 2026

Richard J. Altemueller, 90, of Washington, passed away on January 7, 2026. Richard, son of the late Frank Altemueller and Anna nee Roetheli, was born on October 30, 1935, in Washington. He received his education from St. Francis Borgia High School. On April 11, 1959, he was united in marriage to Marlene Gross at St. Francis Borgia Church. Mr. Altemueller served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army.

Richard owned and operated Altemueller's Restaurant in Washington alongside his wife Marlene, for many years. Prior to opening the restaurant, they catered many weddings and events over the years – too many to count. Richard jokingly referred to himself as the “chief” of PR and BS, a title that fit him well, as he loved visiting with the patrons and teasing the staff.

He was deeply involved in the community, serving on the ambulance board, and holding memberships in the Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and Jaycees, among others. Richard was a member of St. Francis Borgia Church where he attended regularly with his family.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks with his family, especially taking his grandchildren out on his boat. He was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan. For the past 10 years Richard was a familiar face at McDonald’s, where he met daily with his early morning coffee buddies.

Richard will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene Altemueller; two sisters, Lois Evans and Donna Hoffmann and husband Gary and In-laws, Jeanie Buscher, Carol Gross, and Jerry Alferman.

Among his survivors are his children, Mike Altemueller and wife Valerie of Lebanon, MO, Judy Obermark and husband Kevin of Washington, Tim Altemueller and wife Jean of Beaufort, Mary Ann Walde and husband Dan of Washington, and Barb Scheffer and fiance Shawn Tuskey of Huntersville, NC; thirteen grandchildren, Geri Carlyon and husband Josh, Dominic Obermark and wife Kirsten Brauch, Dale Obermark and fiance Caitlin Sams, Andrew Obermark and wife Sierra, Heidi Hellebusch and husband Jack, Cory Altemueller and wife Alysia, Megan Beck and husband Tyler, Charles Walde and wife Paige, Grace Mills and husband Micah, Henry Walde and wife Gwyneth, Nicholas Hellebusch and wife Kari, Hannah Malloy and husband Brian, and Isabella Scheffer and significant other Dustin Hale; thirteen great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael Gross and wife Sharon, Fritzie Alferman, and Michael Buscher; loved ones and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2-6 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the St. Francis Borgia Church. Interment will be in the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Francis Borgia Church or the Pregnancy Assistance Center.

01/06/2026

Irene Abrams

January 8, 1928 - December 23, 2025

Irene Couch Mills Abrams left this world on Tuesday December 23, 2025 at the age of 97 from her and her daughter's home. She died due to congestive heart failure. This obituary is to honor her life. She was born in Brookfield, MO January 8, 1928, to Edward D and Ida Lillian Couch, née Gosney. She attended school in Brookfield. She and my father Everett Mills, he later became Dr. Everett Mills, were united in marriage on June 5, 1946. They lived in Brookfield, Omaha NE, and in the Los Angeles area of southern California. While in California they had 4 children. Brenda Joanne b1949 d 1953, Laura Jean 1955 to present, Curtis Ray b1958 d 1958 and Thomas Everett b1961 d2019. Dr. Everett Mills died in 1962, and Irene, Laura and Tom moved back to Irene's hometown to be closer to her parents. She found love again and on October 29, 1964, she and Lester Abrams were married. He instantly became Laura and Tom's beloved Daddy. In 1973 a family decision was made to move to California. Lester, Irene and Tom went; Laura stayed in Missouri where she was already enrolled in college. Irene loved southern California. Her hobby there as it was in Missouri was bowling, in both women's leagues and with her husband in mixed leagues. She also enjoyed going to the beach once a week with the bowling friends from the mixed league to have an evening picnic and sit around the bonfire visiting. In either 1983 or 1984 she and Lester moved back to Brookfield to be near her elderly mother. Tom was in Washington D.C. by then and Laura was in New Orleans, so it was just Lester and she that made the move. They settled back into small town life, but she grew bored. Therefore, she went back to work part time as Christmas help at Walmart. From there she went on to be the relief person in every department and eventually became the personal manager. She loved her job so much she didn't retire until she was in her 70's. After her mother died it wasn't long before she and Lester decided to move to the Springfield MO area to be closer to Laura and her sister Rosie and Rosie's husband Laurel. Lester and she ended up in Rogersville just outside of Springfield. She was active at the Senior Center and the Rogersville United Methodist Church. Oh, how did I forget that in both Brookfield and Rogersville her hobby was BINGO!!! In 2005 Laura moved to Washington MO and Irene and Lester were going to follow her. Before their house was sold Lester lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma. It then took Irene a couple of years to get the house sold and get moved. She first lived in an apartment but moved into her condo after a year. Upon her arrival in Washington, she began playing cards at the Senior Center and found bingo at the Elks in Pacific MO where in both places she made friends quickly. While in Brookfield she made a couple of trips to first Washington DC and then NYC to visit with Tom for a few weeks at a time. After Lester died and once grandchildren were involved and Tom had moved to New Jersey it turned into a couple of months at a time. She played bingo there as well. Irene loved her granddaughters, Iraina and Faith. She continued this routine until Tom divorced and temporarily moved to Washington MO on his way to Florida. In February of 2022 Irene left her condo and moved to an apartment built for her in Laura's home. She continued with her cards and bingo until her health deteriorated and she could no longer go out for these activities. It was possible for her pinochle friends to come to Irene's to play for a few weeks and then even that was too much for Mom to handle. Thankfully her not being able to play didn't happen too long before her death. Thanks in part to Mercy Hospice and help from many of Mom's friends I was able to keep her here with me as she had wished. I realize this isn't a conventional obituary, but since my Mom was never conventional that should surprise no one. She is survived by me her daughter Laura Duerbeck, her sister Rose Reid of Springfield MO, Granddaughters Iraina Sabella- Mills of NYC and Faith Sabella-Mills of Schenectady NY, Nephews Ed and J and their families, special ex neighbor Barbara, her pinochle friends Juanita, Sue, Allen, Leroy and Teresa, her bingo group Dan, Sharon, Pat, Ruthie, Dorothy, Catherine, Cathy, Virginia, Linda and JoAnn, her Cribbage Club friends Janet, Bill, Gail, Dennis, Kit, Faye, Bob, Dave, John and Brian. If I've forgotten anyone, I'll ask for forgiveness ahead of time. Thank you all for being such good friends to my Mom. She loved you all.

01/04/2026

Steven R. Tobben

May 4, 1965 - January 2, 2026

Steven R. Tobben, 60, of Washington, Missouri, passed away on January 2, 2026. Steve was born on May 4, 1965, in Washington, the son of the late Robert G. Tobben and Mary (née Suttmoeller). He received his education at St. Francis Borgia High School and East Central College.

Steve was employed by Sporlan Valve for a number of years before beginning a career with Enduro Binders, where he worked for more than 20 years and formed many lasting friendships. He retired from Enduro Binders in 2021.

A dedicated volunteer throughout his adult life, Steve was an active member of the Washington Jaycees and the Knights of Columbus. His greatest joy and commitment to service, however, was as a volunteer firefighter with the Washington, Missouri Fire Department. He proudly served the community for over 40 years and was honored with the prestigious Golden Axe Award.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Thomas Tobben; two nieces, Lauren and Rachel Taylor; and several aunts and uncles, including Vern Tobben and his wife Lillian, Paul Zoellner and his wife Arlene, John Struckhoff, Bill Tobben, Len Suttmoeller, and Cliff Suttmoeller.

He is survived by two siblings: Teresa Taylor and her husband, Randy, of Affton, MO, and Marty Tobben and his wife, Susanne, of Oakville, MO; nieces and nephews Marquita Tobben, Olivia Taylor, Jamie Tobben, and Justin Tobben; two aunts, Rita Struckhoff of St. Louis and Marlene Tobben of Washington, MO; as well as many cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt Miller Funeral Home in Washington, MO. A parish rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Washington Volunteer Fire Company service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment will follow at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the: Washington Volunteer Fire Company.

01/03/2026

Vicki Len Williams

April 20, 1970 - December 24, 2025

Vicki Len Williams, 55, of Pacific, passed away on December 24, 2025. Vicki, daughter of Jerry Thamm and Dianna Galien, was born on April 20, 1970 in Houston, TX.

She loved creating crafts of all types and reading.

Among her survivors are her husband, Jason Williams of Pacific and her sons, Richard Thamm of Baytown, TX, Brandon Williams of St. Robert, MO, and daughter Kayla Interial of Odessa, TX, and finally her eight grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 10-11
a.m. at the Most Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eureka, with a Funeral Mass beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Houston VA National Cemetery in Houston, TX.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home

12/30/2025

Lorraine "Mickey" Holtmeier

July 13, 1935 - December 25, 2025

Lorraine “Mickey” Holtmeier,90, of Washington, passed away on December 25, 2025. Mrs. Holtmeier, daughter of the late Lawrence Eckelkamp and Caroline nee Ballmann, was born on July 13, 1935, in Washington. She received her education from St. Francis Borgia High School. On May 10, 1958, she was united in marriage to Glennon “Smiley” Holtmeier at St. Francis Borgia Church.

Mickey was an avid St. Francis Borgia High School sports fan, always cheering on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Smiley Holtmeier; siblings, Maurice Eckelkamp, Dorothy Jasper, Margie Jasper, Rusty Borgerding, Lester Eckelkamp, Ruthie Sullentrup, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Bert Eckelkamp, Ray Jasper, Sal Jasper, Joe Borgerding, Bernice Eckelkamp, Bill Sullentrup, and Dennis Holtmeier.

Among her survivors are her children, Ann Richardson and husband Keith of Washington, Joe Holtmeier and wife Margaret of Washington, Tom Holtmeier and wife Barb of Washington, and Caroline Meyers and husband Phill of Washington; grandchildren, Katie Brown and husband Marty, Luke Richardson and wife Rachel, Andy Richardson and wife Cassie, Jeff Holtmeier and wife Jamie, Rachel Tobben and husband Danny, Mary Leimkuehler and husband Trent, Sam Holtmeier and partner Sam Dean, Max Meyers, and Jack Meyers; eleven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Diane Holtmeier of Washington; loved ones and many friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Borgia Church. Visitation and luncheon will be held in Jesuit Hall, immediately following the Mass. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Francis Borgia High School Athletic Association or the Smiley and Mickey Holtmeier Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

12/30/2025

Harry H. Brush

February 26, 1930 - December 17, 2025

Harry H. Brush, 95, of Washington, passed away on December 17, 2025. Mr. Brush, son of the late John A. Brush and Nancy nee Byrd, was born on February 26, 1930, in Bellmore, NY. He graduated from W. C. Mepham High School in 1948. On March 3, 1951, he was united in marriage to Evelyn O’Neill in Bellmore, NY.

Harry worked for Esselte Pendeflex for 27 years as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager, retiring in 1992. After retirement, he drove to various states picking up cars for Don Fleer Motors in Pacific, MO.

At home, he got into woodworking and collected license plates, hats, and die-cast cars. He was also a proud, lifetime member of the Hummingbird Club in Washington. He was a man about town, enjoying coffee and conversation at various local places. If you were lucky enough to meet him, you wouldn't forget him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn Brush; son, Donald J. Brush; two siblings, Dolores Brush and Laura Perkins; daughter-in-law, Maxine Brush, brother-in-law, Donald Perkins and nephew Scott Brush.

Among his survivors are his children, Harry E. Brush and wife Susan of Washington, Gary Brush of Washington, Dolores Ambrose and husband Joseph of Amityville, NY, and Laura J. Riegel and husband Sam of Washington; brother, John Brush and wife Barbara of Spring Hill, FL; grandchildren, Rosanne and husband Frank, Donald, Nick and wife Amy, Travis and wife Joon Marie, Rene and husband Ryan, Stephanie and husband Pete, and Danika; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Nicole, Ava, Aiden, Ashley, Alexis, Hayden and Hadley; one great-great-grandchild, Abby; daughter-in-law, Lisa Brush; loved ones and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 9-11 a.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, with a short ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the St. Peter’s Cemetery in Washington. Memorial donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington

12/29/2025

Robert C. Conley Jr.

October 23, 1942 - December 23, 2025

Robert C. Conley Jr.,83, of Union, passed away on December 23, 2025. Mr. Conley, son of the late Robert C. Conley Sr. and Dorothy nee Schmidt, was born on October 23, 1942, in St. Louis. He received his education from CBC High School. On March 17, 1963, he was united in marriage to Patricia Campbell in St. Louis.

Robert found great joy in playing golf alongside his friends. He took pleasure in tending to his yard, always maintaining a well-kept lawn he was proud of. Additionally, he cherished feeding the birds and watching them in his garden.

Mr. Conley was a Master Craftsman and a proud member of the Carpenter’s Union. He was also highly skilled in architectural drafting, and he drafted custom home plans for many members of his family, including his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, Tim Conley, Dorothy Collins, Jean Pace, and Joan Medley.

Among his survivors are his wife, Patricia Conley of Union, children, Robert P. Conley and wife Lisa of Dittmer, Michael J. Conley of Dittmer, Christopher A. Conley and wife Shelly of St. Clair, James E. Conley and wife Laura of Washington, and Patrick J. Conley and wife Ling of Alexandria, VA; brother, Dennis Conley and wife Debra of Idaho; grandchildren, Robbie, Sean, Amanda, Jami, Jacob, Nathan, Kaci, Pierce, Vivvie, Charlotte, and Ruby; great-granchildren, Cora, Vinnie, Monroe, Hazel, Aria, Biannca, Quinnie, and Maysyn; loved ones and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026. Memorial contributions can be made to the Franklin County Humane Society.
Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

12/22/2025

William C. Huber

May 10, 1930 - December 19, 2025

Dr. William “Bill” Huber, 95, of Washington, MO, died on December 19, 2025. He was born on May 10, 1930, in Westphalia, MO. Bill was the oldest of two children born to William and Regina “Ragene” Huber, nee Willibrand.

In his youth, Bill would wash dishes, pump gas and change oil at a family run restaurant and filling station near their homestead in Westphalia, a small town near Jefferson City. He was also an avid fisherman, hunter and trapper along the Osage River, just below the Huber bluff-home which still overlooks the community today.
After graduating from high school in 1947, Bill went on to attend Saint Louis University. While in college, he married the love of his life, Clare Huber, nee Fick, in 1952, and went on to complete his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at SLU in 1954.

Shortly after completing his dental schooling, Bill joined the Navy and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He became a Lieutenant and served his country for two years as part of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps.

Bill, Clare and young daughter, Mary Kay, returned to their Midwest roots and settled in Washington after his term of enlistment. He opened his dental practice in 1956 above the Mercantile Bank – then located on Fifth Street. He later moved his business to Washington Square Shopping Center and enjoyed a wonderful practice for 40 years.

Community involvement was important to Bill. He started out as a Scout Master with Troop 439 at St. Francis Borgia in the late-60s and worked with young scouts for six years. From 1969 to 1970, Bill was a member of the Washington Town and Country Fair Board. He served two terms with the Washington Park Commission — once from 1972 to 1987 and again from 1999 to 2008. Bill was president of the board for several years and worked on committees that forged improvements to Lions Lake, the city pool and countless other projects throughout the park system.

While serving on the Washington City Council from 1989 to 1994, he became known as “Landfill Bill” for the many hours he put into the Landfill Committee. This committee also established our current recycling program in the 1990s. The center remained near and dear to his heart over the years, and he often said it was one of our city’s greatest “commitment to ecology” to establish the facility on Bluff Road.

Bill and Clare joined Our Lady of Lourdes parish in 1959. He was very active in the parish through the decades, dedicating his time and talents to various boards and committees, including the Church Council, lector group, church festivals and maintenance crew organizers.

Bill was a member of the Washington Lions Club for 68 years, joining the local organization in 1957. He served as a director from 1967 to 1969 and again from 2000 to 2002. In 2009, he was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the club’s highest form of recognition for individuals who embody humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. Bill also received several Monarch Awards, given to Lions for their long-term service. He was awarded a life membership in the local club in 1997.

He was a long-time volunteer with the Washington Meals-on-Wheels program, which his wife helped establish in 1972. Bill was also a Mercy Hospital Hospice volunteer, and a Mercy McAuley Clinic friend, where he often read books to young children at the clinic. He also traveled on a trip to Honduras with the Washington Overseas Mission group and continued to provide financial support to the organization over the years.

In his retired years, “Doc” – as he was known by his friends, and former patients who couldn’t remember his name – also became an avid gardener. He entered the Missouri Master Gardener Program through the University of Missouri Extension in 2004 and joined the Washington Garden Club. He was nominated in 2012 for the Community Champion Award for America in Bloom via the club for exemplifying community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of the organization.

In 2010, Bill became a City of Washington Hall of Fame member. The category honoring citizen volunteers for excellence in community/service/conservation/ecology bears his name and it was a proud highlight of his personal accomplishments. A favorite statement of his was: “When people receive so much good in a community like this, I think they should give something back."

Bill is survived by his seven children and sons- and daughters-in-law. They include Mary Kay and Kim Daugherty, Monica and John Swoboda, Michele and Dennis Koelling, Martin and Krista Huber, Moira and Robert Vossbrink, Mike and Nancy Huber, and Matt and Lauren Huber. He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. They include: Grandchildren -- Kelly, Mike; William (Billy), Thomas, Jack, Nick; Andy, Hannah, Emma; Joe; Ellen, Julie, Maggie, Robbie; Bart, Amy, Erica; Helena, Mira, Augustine (Gus), and Abram (Abe).Great Grandchildren -- Henry, Charlotte, Betsy, Davie Grace, William (Butch); Brooks, Reid; James, Frank; Luke, Logan; Cecilia, Caitlin, Campbell; Charlie, William (Liam), Louie: Kolbie, Harper, Heath; Theo, Bennett, Maxton; Katherine, Cora, Margy; Thomas, Joanna (JoJo), Harriet, Walter; William (Will), Nora; and Elige.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Regina Huber, his sister Marilyn Huber and wife, Clare.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, The Washington Parks Department or The Washington Garden Club.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service for Bill on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Washington. The Huber family will be present starting at 10 AM, with a mass to begin at 11 AM. A reception will be held in the Lourdes cafeteria following the service. Burial will be private.

The Huber family was served by Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home in Washington.

12/17/2025

Richard H. Noelke

August 14, 1941 - December 14, 2025

Richard H. Noelke,84, of Washington, passed away on December 14, 2025. Mr. Noelke, son of the late Theodore Noelke and Olivia nee Lamke, was born on August 14, 1941, in Washington. He received his education St. Francis Borgia High School and the Rolla School of Mines. On May 20, 1967, he was united in marriage to Patricia Brunner at the St Francis Borgia Church. Richard served his country in the Army National Guard.

Mr. Noelke was employed at various companies throughout his career, including McDonnell-Douglas, Zero Mfg., McQuay Norris-SKF, Maverick Tube, and Integram-St. Louis Seating. Rich was also a
long standing member of the Zero Beaters Ham Radio Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Kathleen Baker and Mary Jane Hilke and husband Wilbert; nephew, Dean Brunner; niece, Sherry Noble, and brother-in-law, Wayne Brunner.

Among his survivors are his wife Patricia Noelke of Washington; daughter, Joyce Noelke of Union; sister, Anna Rose Calvin of New Haven; brother and sister-in-laws, Don Baker, Jerome Brunner and wife Carol, Lorraine Mueller and husband Charles, and Linda Brunner; nieces and nephews, David Calvin and wife Tina, Michelle Wissmann and husband Dave, Bridget Gildehaus and husband Dominic, Michael and Jeff Hilke, Julie Baker and significant other Justin Martin, Teresa Mosley and husband Jason, Mark Baker and wife Nicole, Sheila Hueghy and husband Robert, David Mueller, Christopher Mueller and wife Deborah, and Kevin Brunner and wife Lyn; other relatives and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 9-11 a.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. at the St. Francis Borgia Church. Interment will be in the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Francis Borgia Church or School.

12/16/2025

John F. Trentmann

August 25, 1939 - December 12, 2025

John F. Trentmann,86, of Washington, passed away on December 12, 2025. Mr. Trentmann, son of the late William Trentmann and Cecelia nee Schlitt, was born on August 25, 1939, in Washington. He received his education from St. Joe’s seminary Oak Brook, IL. On June 10, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judy Filla at the St. Francis Borgia Church. John served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army.

John was president when The United Fund helped raise money for multiple agencies in Washington MO and continuing when it became the Franklin County United Way.

He was a red feather recipient of the United Way, a member of the rotary club for many years, member of Our Lady of Lourdes for the majority of his life. He loved to play golf and carded 2 hole in one’s.
He enjoyed grilling, smoking meats, and was an avid photographer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy Trentmann and three siblings, Lucille Hellmann, Elizabeth Koch, and Margaret Gildehaus.

Among his survivors are three children, Stephen Trentmann and wife Melanie of Washington, Kyle Trentmann and wife Tammy of Chamois, and Melissa Nilges and husband Tim of O’Fallon, MO; seven grandchildren, Jacob Trentmann and wife Sara, David Trentmann and wife Ali, Ian Johnson, Isaac Trentmann, Dalton Nilges, Mikayla Boglino and Trace, and Olivia Nilges; two great-grandchildren, Henry Trentmann and Margaret Trentmann; loved ones and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4-7 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Memorial Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Interment with full military honors will be at the St. Peter’s UCC Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes School or VFW 2661.

12/15/2025

Lenore Jane Gerner

October 9, 1935 - December 11, 2025

Lenore Jane Gerner, 90, of Washington, passed away on December 11, 2025. Mrs. Gerner, daughter of the late William Fredrick Grus and Cecelia Emma, nee Siess, was born on October 9, 1935, in St. Clair. She received her education from St. Clair Catholic Grade School and achieved her GED later in life. On June 16, 1956, she was united in marriage to Virgil Gerner at the St. Clare Catholic Church in St. Clair, MO.

Jane was truly a gentle soul and devoted follower of the Lord, known for her sweet nature and kindness to everyone she met. She had already shown her angelic spirit long ago through her dedication as a mother to four sons.

After raising a family, she returned to work for many years at the Emmaus Home in Marthasville, MO with a love, passion, and commitment as a program leader teaching residents life lesson through crafts and daily activities. She was dedicated to visiting the sick and often visited nursing homes and hospitals in the area. She was one of the original parishioners at Our Lady Lourdes, serving many volunteer hours along with being a Lifetime member of the Lourdes Choir and Combined Christian Choir.

Jane found joy in outdoor adventures like camping, canoeing, boating along the Missouri River, and traveling the country with family and friends. She had a passion for gardening and caring for her flower beds and loved to dance and enjoy live music with family and friends. She loved her weekly card games with her friends, and in alone time, enjoyed many crafts including macramé, quilting, custom greeting cards, cake decorating and crochet to name a few.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, William Joseph Grus, Glennon Grus, Donald Grus, Mary Alice Brueggemann, and Donna Brinker.

Among her survivors are her husband, Virgil Gerner of Washington; four sons, James Gerner of Union, David Gerner and wife Tracy of Leslie, Gary Gerner and significant other Denise Schneider of Washington, and Gregg Gerner and wife Annette of Union; loved ones and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 10-11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will be in the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

12/13/2025

Leonard S. Brinker

April 3, 1933 - December 11, 2025

Leonard S. Brinker,92, of Washington, passed away on December 11, 2025. Mr. Brinker, son of the late Henry Brinker and Mary nee Hilke, was born on April 3, 1933, and was raised on a farm off of Bluff Road, west of Washington. He received his education from the Ziegenmeyer School in Washington. On April 8, 1953, he was united in marriage to Agnes Unnerstall at the St. Francis Borgia Church. In June of 1953 he was drafted into the Army and became a Sergeant in 1955. When he returned home, they bought a farm west of Washington, where they raised their nine children.

Leonard was employed by Petrolane Gas for 26 years as a gas bulk truck driver. He then went to night school at Ranken Technical College while working at Petrolane. On April 30, 1968, he graduated with a VAC, (Heating and Cooling) certification. He started his own business, “Leonards Appliance” in 1964, and went on his last service call at the age of 90. Leonard drove his truck, “Here Comes Leonard” on the front and “There Goes Leonard” on the back.

He started a large strawberry patch on the farm with the help of his children. People would place orders or pick their own. Leonard also put in a large garden every year for canning and supplied neighbors and friends with a lot of vegetables. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Leonard was a member of the St. Francis Borgia Church, becoming an usher in 1957. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, joining in 1951, later becoming Grand Knight in July of 1979.

Mr. Brinker was preceded in death by his parents; son, Thomas Brinker; brothers, Leander Brinker and wife Hilda, Virgil Brinker and wife Katherine, Sylvester Brinker and wife Georgia, Orville Brinker and wife Irene, Odilo Brinker and wife Florence, and Henry Brinker; sisters, Lidwina Schlitt and husband Joe, Eleanor Schlitt and husband Ed, Sister Odilo SSND, and Margaret Schade and husband Gilbert; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray Kreinkamp, Maurice Unnerstall and wife Janice, Norbert Unnerstall and wife Leola, Leo Unnerstall, and Bernice and Esther Unnerstall and great-grandsons, Kyle Elbert, Trevor Branson, and Calvin Brinker.

Among his survivors are his wife Agnes Brinker; sons, Jerry Brinker and wife Peggy, Tony Brinker and wife Tammy, Ray Brinker and wife Mary, and Matt Brinker and wife Debbie; daughters, Pat Long and husband Tom, Debbi Roetheli and husband Dave, Mardie Jasper and husband Mark, and Lucy Gildehaus and husband Mitch; sister, Olga Kreinkamp; sister-in-laws, Grace Brinker and Theola Unnerstall; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 3-8 p.m. at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at St. Francis Borgia Church. Interment, with full military honors will be held at the St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Friends of Kids with Cancer, vEDS-Ehlers Danlos Society, or the Children’s Heart Foundation as these conditions have affected his great-grandchildren.

“There Goes Leonard”

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Thursday	9am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm
Friday	9am - 12pm
	1pm - 5pm