Richard Nothdurft

Richard Eugene "Gene" Nothdurft of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008.

He was born June 15, 1926, near Whitewater, to Herman and Edith Wilferth Nothdurft. He was confirmed at Trinity Methodist Church.

Richard and Mary Elizabeth "Louella" Rhodes were married Aug. 28, 1947, in Cape Girardeau.

Richard served in World War II from 1945 to 1947. He was a T3 staff sergeant with the 8th Army, 24th Infantry Headquarters of Special Division Medical Troops in the Philippines and Japan, receiving several medals.

He graduated from Delta High School, attended Southeast Missouri State University and Steimle Business College. He taught school at Crump and retired as an engineer with Frisco Burlington-Northern Railroad after 36 1/2 years. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 417 at Whitewater, VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau and a longtime member of SEMO Beagle Club.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Beverly Wiedefeld of Jackson, Dixie (Randy) Davie and Patricia (Ron) Eftink of Gordonville; two brothers, Donald (Opal) Nothdurft of Boaz, Ky., Leonard (Stella) Nothdurft of Whitewater; eight grandchildren, Heather (Casey) Smith, Whitney (Todd) Conklin, Erin Wiedefeld, Rodney Eftink, Laura Eftink, Kathryn (Matt) Bollinger, Ryan (Rhiannon) Davie, Sara (Brandon) Bradshaw; eight great-grandchildren, Isabelle and Tyson Smith, Morgan, Meredith and Miley Conklin, Andrew Eftink, Regan Davie and Shelby Bollinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, a granddaughter, Elizabeth Eftink; nieces, nephews and many friends.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Masonic service will be held at 7.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jack Owens officiating. Burial will be in Stroderville Cemetery near Whitewater with full military rites by Missouri Honors Team and VFW Post 3838.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Eftink, Ryan Davie, Brandon Bradshaw, Matt Bollinger, Casey Smith and Todd Conklin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masonic Lodge 417, Whitewater, Mo., 63785, or a charity of choice.