E-Newsletter - November 6, 2009

Monroe County Republicans will make the primary election next Feb. 2 interesting. Incumbent County Commissioner Terry Liefer is being challenged in his bid for re-election by fellow Republican Chuck Pittman, an insurance agent and Waterloo School Board member. Frank Kohler and Kevin Hirsch are both running for the party’s nomination for sheriff. Kohler is a former county board chairman and a retired state trooper who has also served on the local police departments in Hecker and Red Bud. Hirsch is a correctional officer at Menard State Penitentiary and has run against Kelley in the past. In the seldom contested race for precinct committeeman, Republican Party Chairman Myron Neff is squaring off with former County Board Chairman Dale Haudrich in Hecker’s Precinct 6. Incumbent  Democratic Sheriff Dan Kelley has filed for re-election and will be faced in the November 2010 general election by either Kohler or Hirsch. Kelley is the only Democrat who has filed for county-wide office so far. Republican County Clerk Dennis Knobloch has filed for re-election as has fellow Republican Kevin Koenigstein for county treasurer. Koenigstein was appointed to his post when long-time county treasurer Merrill Prange retired. Fellow Republican Carl Wuertz has filed to stay in the office of county assessor. Other than the competition in Precinct 6, there is no other competition in either party for the jobs in the county’s 37 precincts. The Democrats will have 25 slots filled and the Republicans 32.

Terry Liefer, right, will get top billing on the ballot card for the office of county commissioner in the Feb. 2 primary election. Because both he and fellow Republican candidate Chuck Pittman, left, submitted their paperwork at the same time, County Clerk Dennis Knobloch, center, used a deck of cards to determine the candidate’s placement on the ballot. Incumbent Liefer drew a seven of diamonds while challenger Pittman pick a five of hearts.                – photo by Bob Haentzler

The Columbia Police Department assisted other police agencies in talking down a woman Friday afternoon from the possibly jumping off the J.B. Bridge. At 1:45 p.m., passing motorists reported seeing a woman standing on the railing of bridge just off the east bound lanes of I-255. Officers from Columbia, South County and the Illinois State Police quickly arrived and were able to talk to the woman until she was safely taken into custody. A car near the scene had Missouri plates.

There was a minor fire Tuesday night at The Tan Co. in Columbia. The Columbia Volunteer Fire Department was called to the scene after a tanning bed caught fire and smoke began to fill up the building. All the customers and employees were able to safely exit. Firefighters handled the small electrical fire and cleared the smoke out of the building. The business was soon open back for business.

Columbia firefighters handle the tanning bed fire at The Tan Co. on Admiral Weinel Blvd.               – photo by Joel Harres

Athletes Honored By Waterloo City Council: Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith and the aldermen gave recognition to several local athletes during Monday’s meeting of the city council. The Waterloo Junior High School baseball team and two high school golfers were presented Commendation Awards. The WJHS team won the Class L State Baseball championship, Waterloo High School golfer Wils Hawn tied for sixth place in the 2A State Tournament and Gibault golfer Steve Souchek tied for second in the Class 1A State Tournament.

Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith, fifth from right, presents a plaque to the Waterloo Junior High School baseball team honoring them for winning first place in the Class L State Baseball Tournament.      – photo by Bob Haentzler

Red Bud Gearing Up For Saturday’s Football Game: Red Bud should be a busy place Saturday as the high school football team is hosting a home playoff football game. The Musketeers (8-2) will take on Casey-Westfield (10-0) – kickoff is at 2 p.m. in the second round of the Class 2A State Playoffs. The Musketeers may be without star running back Tyler Hubert after he injured his knee in last week’s first-round playoff victory over Chester. To help root on the home team, several downtown businesses have posted signs on their store fronts.

Red Bud piles through the Chester defense in last week’s playoff victory.         – photo by North County News

Red Bud receiver Ben Huegle, right, dives into the end zone for a touchdown in the Musketeers victory on Columbia earlier this season.

The Columbia High School volleyball team’s season ended Tuesday night with a two-set loss to the powerhouse team from Freeburg (35-2) in the first round of the Columbia High School Class 2A Sectional.

Columbia’s Allie Joyner, right, dives for a ball while teammate Amanda Krebel looks on during the Eagles’ sectional tournament loss to Freeburg.       – photo by Debbie Roediger

The Valmeyer volleyball team lost to Potoka Tuesday in the first round of the Class 1A Lebanon Sectional.

St. Louis University volleyball star Sammi McCloud has been named the A-10 Player of the Week for the seventh time in her three years as a Billiken. In her high school career, McCloud helped the Columbia High School Eagles to several great seasons.

Bulldogs Lose Sectional Volleyball Game: The spikers from Mater Dei (32-6) proved too strong for the team from Waterloo. The Bulldogs fell to Mater Dei in two sets Tuesday in the first round of the Class 3A Civic Memorial Sectional Tournament.

During the sectional game, Waterloo’s Alex Wood, second from left, drives the ball past Mater Dei defenders Alison Mueller, left, and Abbey Winter. Waterloo ended their season with a record of 24-5-2.                    - photo by Bob Haentzler / www.gatewayphoto.net

Children Enjoy Fall Activities Around The County

Saints Peter and Paul Grade School students in Mrs. Judy Haberl’s class had a change of pace Monday during their P.E. class. They took advantage of a beautiful, rain-free day to rake leaves in the front of the school.

Cory Peterson, Conner Lubbus, Ike Franke, Logan Seidler and Mason Williams pick out a pumpkin from Stuckmeyer Farm in Fountain.                 – photo by Gage Wienhoff

Beck Area Career Center students Samantha Counce and Gerald Bennett carve a pumpkin during the school’s fall festival on Nov. 2.              – photo by Carol Floarke

A Las Vegas-style show starring singer Perry Danos is coming to The Falls in Columbia for a one-night performance Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. Danos is fresh off the Las Vegas stages where he performed his high-energy show to a full house two nights in a row. Originally from Chicago, Danos has lived in Nashville for the past 15 year where his voice has been in high demand. He’s been heard on national commercials for Disney, Toyota, Southwest Airlines, Coke and Wendy’s. He has worked with renowned artists and entertainers like Martina McBride, Wayne Newton, Leon Russell and others. Danos released an album entitled Swingin’ On The Moon earlier this year and released a Christmas album entitled This Christmas on Oct. 27. More information on his career is at www.perrydanos.com.

Tickets are on sale now for the performance. The performance-only tickets are $25 each. Groups of eight or more can take advance of a dinner, open bar and the performance for $40 per person. Individual tickets for dinner, drinks and the performance are $55 each. For reservations call The Falls at 888-538-7778 or go online to www.seethefalls.com.

Waterloo To Honor Veterans Of Korean War: During Waterloo’s Veterans Day observance, special recognition will be given to veterans of the Korean War. The gathering will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m., at the Waterloo VFW Hall. It is being organized by the City of Waterloo, VFW, American Legion and the Waterloo Park District. “All Korean veterans are encouraged to attend and receive the honor they truly deserve,” said Waterloo Mayor Tom Smith.

World War II veteran James Kelley, center, was treated by his family to lunch today at the Waterloo VFW in honor of his 90^th birthday. Joining him are, left to right, first row, Sheriff Dan Kelley (son) and Bob Kelley (brother); and second row, daughters Janet Schmitz, Teresa Polocek, Ellen Otten and Eva Schaefer. Bob also served in World War II, while Dan served in the Vietnam War. Family and friends will celebrate James’ birthday on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the parish hall of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tipton.             – photo by Bob Haentzler

Veterans Day will be honored Nov. 11 at the Valmeyer American Legion Hall. Cocktail hour is at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 6 pm. Commander Glenn Coats said the Post will hold a short business meeting before dinner to take the place of the regular November meeting. Post Commander Glenn Coats and Auxiliary President Alberta Wild urge all Legion members to attend this important once-a year event. “It is always an enjoyable evening,” said Coats. “You meet with friends and family to honor and remember our veterans of all wars, especially those who gave their lives for our freedoms.” During the evening, the Auxiliary will raffle a hand-made, queen-sized quilt. This raffle is the Auxiliary’s main yearly fund-raiser. “Raffle tickets are on sale now and can also be purchased during the Veterans Day meeting,” said Wild.

The Columbia American Legion Post 581’s annual Veterans Day program will be Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., at the Post Hall at 375 Locust Street. The guest speaker will be James Donahoe, president of the board of the St. Louis Fisher House, which houses family members of those at the V.A. Hospital. Other speakers will include Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson, Monroe County Commissioner Michael Kovarik and local attorney Floyd Crowder. The program is free and open to the public.

Columbia Girls’ Running Team Headed To State Race

A third place finish at the Southern Illinois Regional has qualified the Columbia High School girls’ cross country team to the Illinois State Championship. The race will take place Saturday, Nov. 7 in Peoria. Freeburg runners won the regional, followed by Sparta and Columbia. The top Eagles runners were Taylor Byrd, Torey Byrd, Nicole Huebner, Jenna Vogt and Carly Evans. The Columbia boys’ cross country team finished in eighth place – out of the running to qualifying as a team for state. However, sophomore Drew Spargo finished in seventh place overall to qualify as an individual for the state race.

The Columbia girls’ cross country team celebrates qualifying for the state championship race.       – photo by Alan Pirtle

Seattle Sutton Healthy Eating recently received certification form the American Diabetes Association as a recommended method for Type 2 diabetics to improve their health. Susan Ward, local distributor for Seattle Sutton’s meal plan, shared her customers’ experiences with the plan. “We had a number of clients who are Type 2 diabetics and the improvement to their health has been remarkable. By eating a low fat, low sodium, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, they have lowered their blood sugar numbers and have lost weight in the process,” she said.

Ward added, “The first thing we have observed is that after just a couple weeks on the Seattle Sutton Meal Plan, our clients come in with glowing complexions and better general skin color. Then after their first doctor’s visit, they come in all similes telling us how their doctor praised whatever they were doing and to keep it up.” The Waterloo Seattle Sutton location is now offering free “to your door”  delivery and $10 off the first week of food. For more information call 618-939-4485.

Immaculate Conception Parish held a Blue Mass on Oct. 29 in thanksgiving for the local police, fire departments, emergency personnel, doctors and nurses. After the homily, Fr. Carl Scherrer and the assembly blessed the honorees and prayed for their safekeeping. Those in attendance included: Zach Hopkins and Jason Donjon of the Columbia Police Department, Dave Loless of the Waterloo Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies Dan Hannon and Jason Ettling, firefighters Wes Mathany, Rob Huebner and Ken Mitchell and Jeff Larson of the U.S. Marshals Office.

Scouting Food Drive Is Nov. 21: Area Cub and Boy Scouts are gearing up for their annual food drive. Donations are given to local food banks to supply the area’s less fortunate with groceries prior to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Door hangers will be placed on doors of the homes of area residents on Nov. 14. The Scouts will return to those homes on Nov. 21 to pick up donated non-perishable groceries placed in plastic or paper bags.

The Kaskaskia Trail Chorus is hard at work preparing for their 43^rd Annual Show scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14. The curtain rises at Columbia’s Turner Hall at 8 p.m. This year’s theme is “That Ol’ Time Gospel Music.” The featured quartet is Tone Henge while Nostalgia is the special quest quartet. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and can be picked up at the door or from any of the barbershoppers.

Kaskaskia Trail Chorus Musical Director Mark Heise leads the barbershoppers in a recent practice as they gear up for their upcoming annual show.

Health Department Dealing With Limited Supply Of H1N1 Vaccine

School-age children are currently the county’s top priority to receive its supply of the H1N1 vaccine. “So far, we have received a very limited supply of the vaccine from the government,” said Michael Pate of the Monroe County Health Department. “Per our orders, we first must administer those doses to school children.” The Health Department has already been to Valmeyer, Columbia, SPPS and Gibault and they are hoping to get to Waterloo next week. They Health Department has not yet received any timetable as to when they will be receiving a shipment of vaccine to be administered to the general population.

Valmeyer grade school students receive the H1N1 mist vaccine Tuesday being administered by Pauline Chapman, a registered nurse with the Monroe County Health Department.

Five state-wide officers of the American Legion Auxiliary visited the Valmeyer Auxiliary Unit 901 at its October meeting at the Legion Hall in Valmeyer.  They expressed their thanks for all the work the Valmeyer women have accomplished for veterans and their families. Among the officers who attended were Dorothy Hinson, past department president; Luella Buske, department of children and youth chairman; Judy Zimmerman, department chairman of leadership; Eunice Whitsall, 22nd District president; and Tammy Mathis, 22nd district chairman of children and youth, who was in charge of collecting school supplies for the needy, and plans to keep up the successful program.

The officers were grateful for the continuing work the Valmeyer women have done for veterans, including their visits to J.B. Veteran’s Hospital in St. Louis. Their most recent visit to play bingo with the veterans was Oct. 13, when they supplied sandwiches, angel food cakes, fruit  and cold drinks.  That  visit  was made by Tillie Smith, Alberta Riechmann, Edna Brown, Virginia Keaton and Alberta Wild.  It was noted that there were six women veterans at that bingo game. Several Valmeyer Auxiliary members met at the Waterloo Library  on Oct. 26 with officers of the Waterloo Auxiliary Unit 747 to help them get started with meetings again. Unit 747 was a vibrant and dedicated group before the Waterloo Legion Hall was sold years ago. All Waterloo American Legion Auxiliary members, especially those who have not met for years, are urged to attend in hopes of beginning regular meetings, and once again help our veterans and their families. 

The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking applicants to work in the local area on the 2010 census. Those interested may inquire by calling 1-866-861-2010 or visiting www.2010censusjobs.gov.

The third annual Oak Hill Fall Bazaar is Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to the public and will feature crafts, a flea market, bake sale and food. Proceeds will benefit Whispering Pines, the Alzheimer’s unit at Oak Hill, 623 Hamacher St., Waterloo. More information is available by calling July at 618-939-3488, ext. 1248

Recent Obituaries
 

Florence Frances (Weisenborn) Farmer, 76, of Columbia, died Nov. 3, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville from lung cancer. She was born June 10, 1933, in Dupo, the daughter of the late Omer Conrad and Viola Mildred (Bock) Weisenborn. She married Calvin Eugene Farmer in 1954 at St. Paul UCC in Columbia. He died in 1990. Mrs. Farmer is survived by a son, Allen (Wyona) Farmer of Columbia; a daughter, Sharon Petrowski of Columbia; grandchildren Dawn (Brandon) Lewis, Eric (Kristin) Wilhelm, Amanda (Capt. John Thomas) Farmer, Bevin (Fiancé William Lewis) Petrowski and Bryna Petrowski; great-granddaughter Reagan Wilhelm; and soon-to-be-born great-grandson, Brandon Lewis; brothers Wayne (JoAnn) Weisenborn of Columbia and Harold Weisenborn of Overland Park, Kan.; sisters Gloria Morton of Belleville and Barbara (Ed) Schutte of Columbia; and brothers-in-law Alvin (Gladys) Farmer of Central City, Ky., and Rexall (Carol) Farmer of Tipp City, Ohio; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Erik Allen Wilhelm; a sister, Loretta Frazier; nephews and nieces Mark Frazier, Susan (Frazier) Stalling, David Morton, Dianne Morton and Herschel Farmer. Mrs. Farmer was retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in St. Louis, Mo. Florence was an active member of St. Paul UCC in Columbia. She was in the Hand Bell Choir and the quilters group. She was also a member of Job's Daughters, Order of the Eastern Star, Columbia Senior Citizens, Monday Senior Citizen Bowling League and Monroe County Red Hat Society. She volunteered at the Columbia Convalescent Center and the American Red Cross. Visitation was at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia. Funeral was at St. Paul UCC in Columbia with Pastor Kristofer Avise-Rouse officiating. Mrs. Farmer was buried at the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery in Columbia. Memorials may be made to her church’s construction fund or Family Hospice of Belleville.

Imogene Bagsby, nee Ramage, 86, of Waterloo, died Nov. 6, 2009 is St. Louis, Mo. She was born July 20, 1923 in Bardwell, Ky., the daughter of the late Henry and Ura (nee Turk) Ramage. Mrs. Bagsby was preceded in death by husband, John Bagsby Sr.; four brothers and a sister. She is survived by her children Terri Chambers, John Bagsby Jr., Janet Bagsby and Pam Meister; grandchildren Tim Chambers, Charity Cotton, Andrew Bagsby and Deren Bagsby; great-grandchildren Aniesa Bagsby and Jaycee Cotton; and a sister, Estelle Neal. Imogene was a member of the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo, the American Legion Post 747 Auxiliary and was an Avon representative. Visitation is Sunday, Nov. 8, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral mass is Monday, and Nov. 9, at 10 a.m., at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo with Father Osang Idagbo officiating. Mrs. Bagsby will be buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Hospice.

Daniel Stumpf, 48, of Valmeyer, died Nov. 3, 2009. He was born Dec. 28, 1960, in Centreville. He married Lynn (Hammer) Stumpf in 1995 in Columbia. In addition to his wife, Mr. Stumpf is survived by his parents, Donald and Deanna (Diel) Stumpf Sr.; a daughter, Denise (Rick) Whitehouse; siblings Donald Stumpf Jr., Barbara (Grant) Richter and Timothy (Sheila) Stumpf; aunt, Luann (Ernie) P. Flota; an uncle, David (Bobbette) Stumpf, and two grandchildren; along with uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Stumpf was a former police officer who was currently a self-employed handyman. He was also an EMT with the Columbia Ambulance Service. Daniel was a soldier of the Salvation Army Gateway Citadel in St. Louis, where he served as president of the Men's Fellowship and was a member of the Corps Council. Visitation is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Salvation Army Gateway Citadel. A memorial service will follow with Major Bob Fey officiating. A private burial of ashes will take place at a later date. Memorial may be made to the Salvation Army Gateway Citadel or Mary Culver Nursing Home For Blind Women in Kirkwood, Mo.

Ethel Mae Hoeffken, nee Bertschinger, 88, of Belleville, died Oct. 31, 2009, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. She was born Dec. 20, 1920, in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of the late Gustav and Maude Ethel (nee Taylor) Bertschinger. Mrs. Hoeffken is survived by her children Gary (Nancy) Hoeffken of Oklahoma City, Okla., Debbie (Robert) Foote of Breese, Wes (Yvette) Hoeffken of Columbia and Cindy (Mark) Murch of Pine Island, Minn.; grandchildren Jaclyn, Jessica, Robert and Richard Foote, Kristina, Alejandra and Stephanie Murch, and Catherine, Nicholas, Amanda and Ariel Hoeffken. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Vernon Garbs; her second husband of 50 years, Francis  Hoeffken. He died in 1999. Mrs. Hoeffken was the president of the Queenship of Mary Sodality her church in 1964 and 1980. She was an advisor for the Order of Rainbow for Girls, a Girl Scout leader and a Cub Scout den mother. Mrs. Hoeffken was a longtime resident of Our Lady of the Snows Retirement Community and recently lived at Columbia Convalescent Center. She was a charter member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Belleville. Visitation is Friday, Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows Apartment Community Chapel in Belleville. A funeral will follow with Msgr. Carl Scherrer and Deacon Gerry Bach officiating. Mrs. Hoeffken will be buried at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery in Belleville. Arrangements were handled by George Renner and Sons Funeral Home in Belleville. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Mater Dei Memorial Grant Fund or the Knights of Columbus Vocation Fund.

Marybelle Doxey, 96, of Millstadt, died Oct. 30, 2009 in Waterloo. She was born April 18, 1913 in Cottage Home, the daughter of the late Ephraim Marcus and Lona Edna (Denning) Noel. She married Willie Joe Doxey on May 16, 1931. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Doxey was preceded in death by her step-father, Logan Telus Mann; step-brother, Virgil E. (V. Margaret) Mann; step-brother, H. Wayne (Jane) Mann; step-sister, Roza J. (Mann) Howerton and her husband Louis; nephews Lloyd W. Mann and William Howerton; and a niece,  Ludene (Howerton) Klein. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Emma Jean (Mann) Howerton and Willard Krick, Pat Mann and G. Clint Phillips; great-nephews and great-nieces, great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces; and a great-great-great niece and cousins. Mrs. Doxey graduated from high school in Carterville. She came to St. Louis around the age of 16 and worked in a shoe factory. Later, she was a manager of several well-known ladies clothing shops in downtown St. Louis. Marybelle was a caregiver who took care of her parents in their elder years. She also took in numerous family members during the Depression until they were able to get back on their feet and all throughout her life she took care of or helped anyone in any way. Visitation was at Strauss-Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt. Private burial was at Oakwood Cemetery in Carterville. Memorials may be made to Cottage Home Baptist Church and Tennessee Baptist Church

Herbert O. Roider, 85, of Waterloo, died Oct. 31, 2009 in St. Louis. He was born Aug. 15, 1924 in Red Bud, the son of the late Peter and Mathilda (nee Yackle) Roider. Besides his parents, Mr. Roider was preceded in death by sister Luella (William) Polacek; brothers Anton (Laura) Roider, Alvin, Clarence and Harold Roider; sisters-in-law  Lena Mae Rahn and Lois Kirkley. He is survived by his wife, Leota (Wirth) Roider nee Kirkley; step-children Leon (Diana) Wirth, Nancy (Gary Gene) Gilbert, James (Donna) Wirth, Betty (Carl Jr.) Brandenburger and Lori (Don) Dillenberger; step-grandchildren  Dawn Wirth,  Leon (Michelle) Wirth, Jason (Yurika) Wirth and Angela (Brett) Crawford, Beth (Mark) Heusohn, Gary (Carrie) Gilbert,  Corey (Amy) Wirth, Kelly (Brian) Hartmann,  Chris Howell, Brandy (Tom) Clements, Cheri (Clinton) Mudd, Jennifer (Byron) Falkenhain, Jamie Brandenburger, Brad and Aimee Dillenberger; and brothers-in-law Jess (Kay) Kirkley and Orville Rahn Sr.; along with 19 step-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins and friends. Mr. Roider  retired from the City of Waterloo where he was  superintendent of the sewer plant, a former grounds maintenance man at the Waterloo Country Club and was a driver for Bode's Sodes and also the Waterloo Milk Company. Mr. Roider was a member of Waterloo Sportsman's Club and played on the kloepper clubs at Willie’s West End, Wartburg Inn and in Burksville.  Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral was at St. Paul UCC in Waterloo with Pastor Mary Beth Hartenstein officiating. Mr. Roider was buried at the Waterloo City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family medical expenses or to the St. Paul UCC  Family Emergency Fund.

Wyman W. Melching, 88, of Waterloo, died Oct. 30, 2009. He was born Jan. 17, 1921 in St. Joe, the son of the late Henry and Anna (nee Lange) Melching. Mr. Melching is survived by his children, Wayne (Karen) Melching, Stanley (Tyana) Melching and Glenn (Sharon) Melching; grandchildren, Raymond (Jennifer) Melching, John Melching, Troy (Kim) Melching, Michelle (Andy) Urke and Taylor Melching; great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Raelyn, Chloe, Jordan, Bryce, Hannah, Jonathan and  Baylyn; and a sister, Ardell Huebner; along with nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Melching and special friend, Lelia Garner. Mr. Melching was a member of Zion UCC of St. Joe, the Monroe County Farm Bureau and was a former singer with the Kaskaskia Trail Chorus. Visitation was at Quernheim Funeral Home. Funeral service was at Zion UCC of St. Joe with Pastor Nancy Spier officiating. Mr. Melching was buried at the church’s cemetery. Memorials may be made to his church.