PROMINENT BUSINESSMAN, RICHARD FLENTGE, DIES AT 64

Prominent Cape Girardeau businessman Richard William Flentge, 64, 2920 LaMesa, died Tuesday, May 23, 1995, at St. Francis Medical Center.

He had been owner of Flentge's Home Appliances Sales Service and Parts since 1953. The business was started in 1947 by his father and an uncle, Howard Flentge.

Flentge had been a member of SEMO Boosters at Southeast Missouri State University since its inception, and was a past president.

He was born June 8, 1930, in Cape Girardeau, son of John J. and Mary Mansfield Flentge. He and Mary Sue Corbin were married Feb. 28, 1953, in Idalia.

Flentge was a graduate of Central High School, where he played football and baseball. He played football four years at Southeast University and was named All MIAA. He was assistant football coach at the university in 1953.

Flentge was a National Water Safety instructor 20 years and had traveled extensively.

He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Elks Lodge, started the Kiwanis swimming program here, and was a former member of Downtown Rotary Club and Lions Club.

Flentge was a sergeant in the U.S. Army in 1954-55.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Richard Flentge of Draffenville, Ky.; three daughters, Cathy Tenkhoff of Cape Girardeau, Patricia Lay of El Jebel, Colo., Mary Banas of Midland, Texas; a sister, Mary Novinger of Denver, Colo., and 10 grandchildren.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Centenary Church, with the Rev. Neil Stein officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park.