Loretta Uelsmann

Loretta Catherine Aufdenberg Uelsmann passed away Sunday, May 21, 2023, at her home in Jackson.

She was born Nov. 11, 1947, in Cape Girardeau to William August Henry and Ruby Augusta Fluegge Aufdenberg. She was baptized Dec. 14, 1947, and confirmed March 26, 1961, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit.

She was an eighth-grade graduate of Immanuel Lutheran Elementary School in Tilsit, spending her second-grade year at Burfordville Public School. She was a 1965 graduate of Jackson High School.

Loretta married her one true love, Melvin Eugene Uelsmann, on June 4, 1967, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. Two children, Clint Eugene and Kristina Lynn, were born to their union.

Loretta worked in the office at International Shoe Co. and Drury Hotels, retiring in February 2013.

Since 1962, Loretta had been a very active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, fulfilling the following obligations: Sunday school teacher for 20 years, treasurer of the Parent-Teacher League, budget committee and Hope Seeds. She was also treasurer of Lakeview Acres Well Committee.

She greatly enjoyed walking, gardening, needlework, reading and being with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Loving survivors include her husband of nearly 56 years, Melvin Uelsmann of Jackson; two children, Clint Uelsmann and Kristina (Brad) Stout, both of Jackson; three grandchildren, Tanner, Devon and Addison Stout; siblings, Carol (Walt) Kutscher of Cape Girardeau, Richard (Judy) Aufdenberg of Jackson and Mary (Ralph) Walther of Gordonville; two sisters-in-law, Carla (the late David) Aufdenberg of Jackson and Sharon (the late Felix) Smith of Scott City; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Loretta was preceded in death by siblings, Loustell (Joe) Ludwig, David Aufdenberg and Elfrieda (L.R.) Williams; a sister-in-law, Deloris (Charles) Neace; her parents, William A. and Ruby Aufdenberg; and Melvin's parents, Floyd and Doretta Uelsmann.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 24, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral at noon Wednesday, May 24, at the church. Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Loretta's obituary at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.