VIOLA BLECHLE

PERRYVILLE -- Viola M. Blechle, 90, of Perryville died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 1997, at Perry County Memorial Hospital.

She was born Oct. 26, 1906, at Belgique, daughter of Vincent and Alice Stcyns Courtois. She married Anton Blechle Oct. 26, 1926. He died Oct. 21, 1977.

Blechle was employed by Perryville Chamber of Commerce 27 years, retiring as executive secretary. She was a member of St. Vincent's Catholic Church, Married Ladies Sodality, Daughters of Isabella, American Legion Auxiliary Post 133, Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Perry County Historical Society, and Perry County Nursing Home Board of Directors.

Through Missouri Community Betterment she received seven Governor's Leadership Awards, was named first Missouri Ambassador for MCB, and was selected Coordinator of the Year in 1988 for the Missouri Beautification Association.

Blechle was honored for her work in the community with Viola Blechle Day Dec. 12, 1982. There is also a park in Perryville named for her.

Survivors include two nephews, Stephen Courtois of Festus and James Courtois of St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Friends may call at Young and Sons Funeral Home from 4-9 p.m. today, and Saturday from 6:30-9:10 a.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent's Church, with the Rev. Kevin Fausz officiating. Burial will be in St. Boniface Cemetery.