1/14/2023
Randy L. Brown, 73, of Labadie, passed away on January 8,
2023.
Randy, son of the late Ransome Brown and Lois nee House,
was born on January 9, 1949 in Springfield, MO. He graduated from Washington
High School and Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, where he
completed a graduate degree in criminal justice. On February 28, 1971, he was
united in marriage to Margit Noelke.
Randy served
as a trooper in the Missouri State Highway Patrol for five years before moving
back to Washington in 1979 to take over his family’s shoe store, a business
that he expanded to include New Balance stores in St. Louis, Branson, Overland
Park, Kansas, and Fairview Heights, Illinois. He loved our community and served
as president of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown
Washington. In 1982 Randy became a member of the National Shoe Retailers
Association (NSRA) and served 20 years on the board of directors. He was named
retailer of the year by the organization in 2014. His highest honor came in
November
2021 when he was inducted into NSRA’s Hall of Fame.
Because Randy appreciated what Boy Scouts had personally done for him in his
youth, in his retirement he became involved with the scouting program as Osage
District Chairman, Greater St. Louis Area Council.
Throughout
the years, Randy was legendary for his storytelling that brought people
together in a real way. His stories were inspiring, well planned, and funny.
All who knew him recognized his love for family and friends, as well as his loyalty
to God and country.
Randy was
preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Margit Brown of
Labadie; two sons, Chad Brown and wife Melissa of Oakville and Kurt Brown and
wife Elizabeth of Labadie; mother and father-in-law, Alfred and Doris Noelke of
Washington; sister, Suzanne Brown; grandchildren Sam Brown, Elle Haefner, Ruby
Brown, Marshall Brown, Violet Brown, and Ivy Brown; sisters and
brothers-in-law, Jerri Hoffmann and husband Dave of St. Albans, Mike Noelke and
wife Re-Re of St. Louis, Patty Lamke and husband Sam of Washington, and Tom
Noelke and wife Lu Ann of Germantown, TN; other relatives and friends.
A Memorial
Mass will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at St. Francis
Borgia Church. Interment will be private. Memorial donations can be made to
STLBSA.org (Osage District Boy Scouts – Greater St. Louis Area Council) or to
FranklinCountyCASA.com.
Arrangements
are in care of Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.
1/4/2023
Everett H. Gumpenberger, 95, of Washington, passed away
on December 31, 2022. Everett, son of the late Henry Gumpenberger and Edna nee
Doriot, was born on February 2, 1927 in Washington. He received his education
from St. Francis Borgia Grade School. On April 29, 1948, he was united in
marriage to Rose Mary Finder at Holy Family Church in Port Hudson.
Mr. Gumpenberger served his country honorably as a member
of the United States Navy. He was a member of the American Legion Post 218 and
St.
Francis Borgia Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rose Mary
Gumpenberger; son, Donald Gumpenberger; brother, Donald L. Gumpenberger in
infancy; two son-in-laws, John W. Elbert and Daniel L. Bailey; two grandsons,
Kevin Bailey and Daniel E. Bailey and great-grandson, Kyle Elbert.
Among his survivors are four children, Wayne Gumpenberger
of Washington, Joyce Holmes and husband Robert of Washington, Karen Elbert of
Washington, and Diane Bailey of Union; sister, Loretta Weber of Washington;
grandchildren, Scott Roetemeyer and wife Lynn, Corey Elbert and wife Megan,
Craig Elbert and wife Jennifer, Cindy Irwin and husband Brandon, Shannon Carr
and husband Rich, Tim Gumpenberger and wife Jill, Chris Gumpenberger, and Shane
Gumpenberger; great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023,
from 4-8 p.m.
at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home. Mass of Christian
Burial will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at St. Francis Borgia
Church. Interment, with full military honors will be held at the St.
Francis Borgia Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made
to the St.
Francis Borgia High School or Masses.