Elvin L. Gildehaus

Elvin L. Gildehaus, 86, of Washington, passed away on November 24, 2024. Mr. Gildehaus, son of the late Aloys Gildehaus and Fridoline nee Frankenberg, was born on July 23, 1938, in Washington. He received his education from St. Francis Borgia Grade School. On May 6, 1961, he was united in marriage to Theresa Hecktor at St. Gertrude’s Church.

He loved the Lord, spending every day in prayer with Him. He loved his family, and spending time with them. He enjoyed watching Cardinal baseball, yelling at the TV and giving them advice when they needed it. He worked a number of years at Frick’s Quality Meat until he retired, and took pride in knowing they had the best ham.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wilbert Gildehaus, Mickey Kessler and husband Francis, and Mary Nieder and husband Rich; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard Luechtefeld, Lester Menke, Melvin Hecktor, Mary Heimann, Eddie Ridder, Pat Gildehaus, and Lester Brinker.

Among his survivors are his wife, Theresa Gildehaus of Washington; three daughters, Connie Stelzer and husband Mark of Washington, Sheila Kleekamp and husband Tim of Washington, and Rhonda Betlach and husband Chris of Washington; siblings, Ray Gildehaus and wife Julie of Washington, Ruth Luechtefeld of Labadie, and Carol Frick and husband Larry of Washington; five grandchildren, Jonathan Stelzer, Christopher Stelzer, Benjamin Stelzer, Phillip Kleekamp and wife Bailie, and Alex Betlach; one great-grandson, Oliver Kleekamp; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry Gildehaus of Washington, Delores Gildehaus of Washington, Gladys Menke of Florida, Laverne Hecktor of New Haven, Louis Heimann of Washington, Wilma Ridder of Union, Alice Brinker of Washington, Doris Schmitt and husband Dennis of Washington, Linda Voss and husband Andy of Washington, and Paul Hecktor and wife Sue of Concord Hill; other relatives and many friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Francis Borgia Church. Memorial donations can be made to St. Francis Borgia Church or Mercy Foundation of Washington Cancer Center.

Arrangements in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

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