Francis A. Rehkemper

Friday, October 17, 2025  4:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 18, 2025  9:00-10:30 a.m.

Moss Funeral Home, Breese

Saturday, October 18, 2025

11:00 a.m.

St. Dominic Catholic Church, Breese

Francis A. Rehkemper, age 90, of Breese, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Evercare of Breese.

He was born on January 26, 1935, in St. Rose, the son of the late Frank and Rose (née Hoh) Rehkemper. On February 26, 1957, Francis married Rose (née Hustedde) Rehkemper at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese.

In addition to his beloved wife of 68 years, Francis is survived by his children: Steven Rehkemper of Chicago; Barbara (Robert) Greten of Highland; Jeffrey (Reneé) Rehkemper of Chicago; Melinda (Barry) Brueggemann of Carmel, IN; and Gina (Jan Wilhelm Mueller) Rehkemper of Elm Grove, WI. He was a proud grandfather of Natalie and Tiffany Rehkemper; Megan (Jared) Ernst and Lauren (Bryan) Schmitt; Adele (Jacob Gasyna) Rehkemper, Stefan and Camille Rehkemper; Bennett, Evan, and Elana Brueggemann; and Leopold “Leo” and Fredrica Mueller. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Hudson Ernst, and Averi and Lynnox Schmitt.

Francis is also survived by his brother, Thomas (friend, Pat Dorries) Rehkemper of St. Louis; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Joann Rehkemper of St. Rose, Rita Albers of Germantown, Carol Hustedde of Breese, Dorothy (Gerald) Showalter of O’Fallon, and Anthony “Butch” (friend, Joyce Dorries) Hustedde of Breese; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jerome (Lorene) Rehkemper, Paul (Jeanette) Rehkemper, Cornelius Rehkemper, and Eugene (Lorene) Rehkemper; father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Laura (née Usselmann) Hustedde; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Rita Rehkemper, Mary Ann (Henry “Hank”) Peek, Monica (Charles) Boeckmann, Maurice Albers, Francis Hustedde, Robert Hustedde, and Herbert Hustedde.

Francis was the co-owner and operator of Rehkemper Construction Company, Inc. in St. Rose until his retirement in 2012. A devoted parishioner of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese, he served on the Parish Council and Men’s Sodality, and was a key member of the Building and Maintenance Committee where he oversaw church remodels and improvements. He also served on the Cemetery Committee and was the lead designer of the columbarium and pavilion area at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery.

Francis generously shared his time and talents with his community. He served on the parish picnic committee, where he created the beloved “I Do’d It” game that became a staple at parish events throughout the area. He was a member of the Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869, Breese Lions Club, Catholic Fraternal Life, and Habitat for Humanity, where he volunteered as crew chief for 20 years. He also played a key role in bringing pickleball courts to the Breese Park.

Francis had a passion for working with his hands—whether through construction, woodworking, or sketching his next project. He loved playing cards with friends and family and attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren. He remained active in the community until a short time ago.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Patrick Peter presiding. Interment will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.

Visitation will be Friday, October 17, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Dominic Catholic Church, St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery, All Saints Academy, or Mater Dei Catholic High School and will be received at the visitation or by mail at Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St., Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.

The family would enjoy any story that can be shared with them about Francis and those memories can be sent to the family at www.mossfuneralhome.com