Calvin Sailer

Calvin Victor Sailer, 87, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Aug. 26, 1928, in Gordonville, the son of Henry M. and Bertha Sebastian Sailer. He and Verla M. Voges were married Dec. 21, 1952, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson.

Calvin was a 1946 graduate of Jackson High School and served in the Missouri National Guard in Jackson from 1948 to 1960.

He assisted with the construction of barns throughout the area with Wes Hitt Construction from 1946 to 1952. He was superintendent of Burton-Gerhardt Construction from 1952 to 1958 and was then co-owner of Crites and Sailer Construction until 1974. He worked 23 years for Penzel Construction, "retiring" in 1997. He was owner of Sailer Roofing Co. from 1964 until the present time.

Of the many qualities of Calvin's life, he truly enjoyed traveling in their motor home, gardening and cooking for his family.

Calvin was baptized and confirmed at Christ Lutheran Church in Gordonville, and in 1968, he and Verla moved their membership to Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau. He was a member of the Union of Concerned Christians, the church choir and other church committees.

Loving survivors include his wife of 63 years; two children, David A. (Kandi) Sailer and Lisa L. (Kevin) Elfrink of Jackson; three grandchildren, Joshua D. (Tara) Sailer of Jackson, Jacob D. Sailer of Cape Girardeau and Sarah L. Elfrink of Jackson; a great-grandson, Oliver T. Sailer of Jackson; a sister, Grace S. Coy of Cape Girardeau; and a number of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Cattlet and Ruth Bierschwal.

Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 1 p.m. until time of service Monday at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the church, with pastor Daniel Johnson officiating, assisted by pastor Dave Schaffner. A private burial will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be given to Evangelical United Church of Christ, 33 S. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, or the donor's choice of church or charity.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.