Myrtle Petzoldt

Myrtle Helen Petzoldt, 83, formerly of Jackson, fell asleep in Jesus on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo.

She was born Sept. 23, 1926, in Frohna, Mo., to Joachim and Anna Schlimpert Dreyer. She married a young soldier, Leo Petzoldt, on Feb. 7, 1945. They made their home on their family farm near Shawneetown, where she was a dedicated farm wife and an avid gardener. They had been married 50 years when Leo went to his heavenly home May 23, 1996. Their happy union was blessed with one child, Patricia "Patsy" Petzoldt Hecht of Jackson.

Myrtle was a blessing to her three grandchildren their entire lives who are among loving survivors: Darlene (John) Kruse of Columbia, Mo., Shirlene Hecht of Altenburg, Mo., and Gary (Tisha) Hecht of Jackson.

The special joys of her life were her eight great-grandchildren: Amanda Krewson, who she kept as a young child; her Cardinal-loving buddies, Benjamin and Christopher Krewson of Altenburg, Tristen and Tanner Hecht of Jackson, Luke Kruse of Columbia and Morgan and Ella Kruse, whom she adored playing cards and working puzzles with while she lived in Columbia.

Myrtle also enjoyed cooking, crafting, sewing and quilting beautiful blankets for her family.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, a sister, two infant sons and an infant daughter.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson and from 9 a.m. until time of service Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Walter Patzwitz officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In memory of her strong support of Christian education, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Lutheran School Tuition Fund at Immanuel Lutheran Church, New Wells; Saxony Lutheran High School; and Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Columbia.