Jere Tenkhoff

ORAN, Mo. -- Jere A. Tenkhoff, 78, of Oran passed away Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, at the family home in Oran.

He was born Dec. 16, 1936, in Cape Girardeau to the late Germain Anthony and Gertrude Shegley Tenkhoff. He married Carolyn Pobst on May 6, 1961, and she survives.

Jere was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a retired salesman for Lawson Products and was a parts man for SEMO Motors and Cape Girardeau GMC. Jere was known for having many lifelong friends, as well as his personal life motto, "You only go around once."

He was a member of Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran, the St. Joseph Sodality, Knights of Columbus Council 4311, a lifetime member of Chaffee Elks Lodge 1810 and was city treasurer for the city of Oran for several years. He played fast-pitch softball for various towns in the area, and he coached all four of his sons in Little League Baseball.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn, of the home; four sons, Kevin (Sherry) Tenkhoff of Oran, Dale (Patsy) Tenkhoff of Chaffee, Missouri, Darrin Tenkhoff of Oran and Dan (Andra) Tenkhoff of Frisco, Texas; nine grandchildren, Taylor, Chance, Kyle, Connor, Megan, Layton, Landon, Aidan and Evan Tenkhoff; one great-grandson, Owen Morrison; and his special godmother, Wilma Metz of Oran.

His love for dancing, homemade wine and the St. Louis Cardinals was exceeded only by his love for spending time with his family and watching his children and grandchildren play ball. Jere was a mentor and father to many more people beyond his immediate family. He has blessed more lives than one can count, and for that we will miss him dearly.

Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. today at Guardian Angel Catholic School in Oran. Parish rosary will be at 3:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus prayers will be at 8 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran, with the Rev. Randy Tochtrop as celebrant. Burial will be at Guardian Angel Catholic Cemetery in Oran.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southeast Hospice or Guardian Angel Catholic School.