John VanGennip

LEOPOLD, Mo. -- John J. VanGennip, 83, of Leopold passed away Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, after a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born March 25, 1929, at Glennon, Mo., to Martin and Rose Heimsath VanGennip.

He and Wilma Nenninger were united in marriage Oct. 25, 1952, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Glennon. John and Wilma had owned and operated the VanGennip Store in Leopold for more than 13 years. He had been a farmer, carpenter and worked for agricultural businesses, most recently the Leopold harness shop. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church at Leopold where he tolled the bells for many funerals.

Survivors include a daughter Karen (Dennis) James of Leopold; a brother, Edward VanGennip of Overland, Mo.; a sister, Rose Laurentius of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren, Jodi (Trey) Brown, Ashton James, Scott (Lindsay) VanGennip, Darren VanGennip and Mallory James, and one great-grandson who will be named Grant Stephen VanGennip

Preceding him in death were his parents; and one son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Mary VanGennip; one brother, Martin VanGennip Jr.; three grandchildren, Michael VanGennip, Elliott James and Katrina James.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. John's Catholic Church in Leopold, with parish prayers and rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. William Hennecke officiating. Interment will follow in the St. John's church cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Liley Funeral Homes in Marble Hill, Mo.

Online condolences may be left at www.lileyfuneralhomes.com.