Carl Loenneke

Carl F. Loenneke, 89, of Jackson passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2011, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home, where he and his wife have lived the past few years.

One of five children, Carl was born Feb. 13, 1921, near Tilsit, to Joseph Carl F. and Bertha Aufdenberg Loenneke. He attended the former Cane Creek School and Immanuel Lutheran School. He and Elda I. Lange were married Jan. 23, 1945, by the Rev. H.J. Strickard, at the church parsonage of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Tilsit.

Carl and Elda were schoolmates, and were even confirmed together in April 1935. But years after their marriage, Elda laughed and candidly remarked, "It was his Army uniform that really cinched the deal." Their marriage was blessed with three children.

He was a proud Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, serving honorably from Aug. 5, 1942, to Feb. 1, 1946.

Carl worked as a surgical technician, performing a variety of surgical and medical duties. His responsibilities included working directly with surgical patients, as well as operating room and instrument preparation and sterilization.

He primarily worked in the agricultural feed business. He owned and operated the former Cape Egg and Feed in Cape Girardeau, retiring in the mid-1980s. He then worked part time at COOP in Jackson, and then 10 years at the former Schaper's IGA in Jackson.

Carl was always a faithful, devoted church member. While he and his family were still members at Immanuel Lutheran in Tilsit, he taught Sunday school. When he and Elda moved their membership to St. Paul, he served as Sunday school superintendent, taught Sunday school, was active in the Men's Club, served as president of Cape Girardeau Zone of Lutheran Laymen's League and was instrumental in establishing Camp SEMO near Lake Wappapello.

He was a member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson and its Honor Guard. He and Elda danced with the former Hill Toppers Squaredancers.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Elda of Jackson; three children, Harvey (Janet) Loenneke and Ronald (Debbie) Loenneke all of Jackson, Ann (Henry) Adams of Las Vegas; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Rebecca) Loenneke, David Loenneke (Stacy Miget), Cynthia (Mike) Williams, Benjamin (Krissy) Loenneke, Jeremy Loenneke, Phillip (Beth) Adams, Robert Adams; and five great-grandchildren, Olivia Loenneke, Grant Loenneke, Nicholas Loenneke, Lillie Adams, Emma Williams; a sister-in-law, Zelma "Shorty" Loenneke of Sedgewickville, Mo.; and many loving nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter and Joe Loenneke; a sister, Elda Kieninger; and a young brother, Elmer Loenneke.

Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An American Legion Honor Guard service will be held at 4. Friends may also call from 9 a.m. until time of service Friday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the church, with the Rev. Robert Henrichs officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Camp SEMO, Lutheran Laymen's League or St. Paul Lutheran Church.

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