Charles Schlegel

Charles E. Schlegel, 93, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, March 7, 2013. He will be greatly missed.

He was born Jan. 29, 1920, in Gordonville, to Edwin and Vesta Slinkard Schlegel. He and Mary Frances Keller were married Aug. 16, 1940. She preceded him in death Nov. 12, 2012.

Charles was a charter member of the 140th Infantry, which was organized for deployment to the Pacific Theater in World War II. He received battlestars for Leyte in the Philippines and Okinawa. He retired from service in the Missouri National Guard.

He was a carpenter, machinist and entrepreneur. Enjoyable activities were woodworking, boating, dancing, and travel. Charles was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral.

Survivors include three sons, Charles E. (Mary) Schlegel Jr. of Tempe, Ariz., F. William (Cheryl) Schlegel of St. Louis, Dr. Steven C. (Becky) Schlegel of Pasco, Wash.; two sisters; Helen Maintz and Rebecca Illers, both of Cape Girardeau, nine grandchildren; Rebecca (Jude) Dieterman of Kansas City, Mo., Victoria (Jeff) Henderson and Stephanie (Robert) Villegram of St. Louis, Mary (Kim) Scott of Queen Creek, Ariz., William (Chelsea) Schlegel of Houston, Texas, Scott Schlegel of New Orleans, La., Samuel, Sarah and Stuart Willhoite, all of Pasco; 10 great-grandchildren, Abigail, Adam, Sara, Charles, Andrew, Michael, Jacob, Kyle, Benjamin and Eily.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; three sisters, Margie Schlegel, Rosemary Soehlig, Betty May Johnson; and a brother, Larry Schlegel.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer as celebrant. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Grade School and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.crainsonline.com.