Elmer H. Loepker
- Visitation Dates and Times
Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Monday, January 20, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
- Visitation Location
St. Damian Catholic Church ~ Damiansville
- Service Date
Monday, January 20, 2025
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
St. Damian Catholic Church ~ Damiansville
- Full Obituary
Elmer H. Loepker, age 87, of Damiansville, passed away peacefully amongst his friends doing what he loved, playing cards, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He was born September 13, 1937, in Bartelso, a son of the late Anton and Wilhelmina (nee Pingsterhaus) Loepker. Elmer married Kathryn “Katie” Toennies on November 23, 1961, at St. Damian Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on December 7, 1994.
Elmer is survived by his children, Donna (Marvin) Fuehne of Damiansville and David (Deanna) Loepker of Jerseyville; grandchildren, Lindsey (Robert) Mitchell, Crystal Fuehne, Shannon (Justin) Sanders, Michelle (Alex) Diekmann, and Nicholas (friend, Allison Klaas) Loepker; great-grandchildren, Kathryn “Kate”, Brent, and Luke Mitchell, and Aria and Aiden Sanders; siblings, Henrietta Koch of Germantown, Marilyn (Dave) Buehne of St. Rose, Gerri (Leroy) Wiegmann of Carlyle, Jo Ann Langenhorst of Germantown, Netsy (Lester) Wuebbels of Germantown, and Lester (Deb) Loepker of Germantown; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lou Heimann of Aviston, Rich (Darlene) Toennies, Marvin “Max” (Doris) Toennies, Allen “Phonso” (Kay) Toennies, and Bernice “Mech” Toennies, all of Damiansville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Elmer was preceded in death by siblings, Vic (Bernice) (Mary) Loepker, Paul (Rosemary) Loepker, Bernell Loepker, Donald (Nancy) Loepker, and Delores (Lee) Schrage; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alphonse and Frances (nee Fuehne) Toennies; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul Beckmann, Ben Koch, Dan Langenhorst, Marcell Heimann, Ray (Marilyn) Toennies, and Jerome Toennies.
A veteran, Elmer served his country in the United States Army Reserves. He was a hardworking farmer and retired member of the Laborers Local 742 in Mascoutah. Faith and community were central to his life, with active membership in St. Damian Catholic Church and Holy Name Society, Clinton County Farm Bureau, Albers American Legion Post 1026, and formerly the Damiansville Chamber of Commerce.
Elmer had a passion for Red International Harvester Tractors, sharing his love of farming by gifting red tractors to numerous newborns in the community for them to enjoy for years to come. Known for his kind and outgoing spirit, Elmer never met a stranger. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, playing cards, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, enjoying Sunday fundays, hunting, and taking leisurely Ranger rides. His daily drives to check on the farm brought him joy, and his vibrant presence brought life to every gathering.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville with Fr. Matthew Elie presiding and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer assisting. Interment will follow at St. Damian Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and again Monday, January 20, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
