Gilbert H. Eckenfels

Gilbert H. Eckenfels of Ste. Genevieve died on Friday, May 15, 2020, at his home. He was 93 years old.
He was born June 22, 1926, in Ste. Genevieve.
He was married to Dorothy M. (Giesler) Eckenfels on August 16, 1947, and she preceded him in death on August 5, 2011.
He is survived by two sons, Tom J. Eckenfels of Ste. Genevieve, Bob Eckenfels and his wife Sue of Ste. Genevieve; six daughters, Kathy Cavaletti and her husband Norm of Ste. Genevieve, Dottie Heller of St. Louis, Mary Stuhr and her husband Mike of Ste. Genevieve, Carolyn Kuehn and her husband Jerry of Ste. Genevieve, Jean Spraul and her husband Jeff of Ste. Genevieve, Barb Schilli and her husband Steve of Ste. Genevieve; 16 grandchildren, Chris Eckenfels, Jeremy Eckenfels, Megan Sprang, Kevin Ryan, Randy Heller, Melissa Kuehn, Sara Stolzer, Lauren Collins, Michelle Champion, Kayla Gegg, Matt Eckenfels, Emily Eckenfels, Tyler Spraul, Chelsea Trautman, Nichole Shuh, Cody Schilli; 19 great-grandchildren, Adilynn Eckenfels, Dilan Eckenfels, Brayden Eckenfels, Aubrey Eckenfels, Miles Ryan, Evelyn Ryan, August Ryan, Amelia Heller, Harrison Heller, Brynn Kuehn, Chase Collins, Tlalli Olivera Kuehn, Leah Champion, Maci Champion, Evan Gegg, William Gegg, Laken Spraul, Cam Spraul, Landon Trautman.
He was preceded in death by one son, Carl Eckenfels; and a good friend, Jean Brown.
He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. He enjoyed dancing and polka music. He loved living on the farm, spending time with his family and taking his beloved dog Duke for rides on the Gator.
Funeral services were Monday, May 18, at St. Joseph Church in Zell. Monsignor Jeffrey Knight officiated. Burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery in Zell. Military graveside services were performed by VFW Post 2210.
Memorials may be made to St. Joseph School or Church or Mercy Hospice.