2025 Obituaries
John “Dad/Grandpa/PawPaw/Johnny” P. Luby Jr., 85, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5th, surrounded by his loving family after courageously battling several health issues. While his family is heartbroken—especially his devoted wife, Joann—they take comfort knowing he is now healthy and whole again in the loving arms of Jesus, reunited in Heaven with their beloved grandson Mitchell, along with many dear relatives and friends who went before him.
John was born in St. Louis, Missouri and raised in St. Ann, Missouri. He attended St. Gregory Catholic Grade School and graduated from CBC High School in 1958. Immediately afterward, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1961, an honor he carried with deep pride throughout his life.
John met the love of his life, Helen J. “Joann” Collins, at the USO in Kansas City, MO and the two married on September 1, 1962. Their 63 years of marriage were filled with love, laughter, a few disagreements here and there, and countless adventures—including traveling to every state in the USA. Together, they raised three children who were the pride and joy of their lives: Jeffrey Michael (wife Mary), John Patrick Luby III, and Angela Marie (husband Joe)
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John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, godfather, cousin, and friend. His grandchildren—Robyn Shroyer (husband Ryan), Cole Luby (wife Makenna), Mitchell Brooks (deceased), Trent Luby, Shea Luby, Chase Luby, Ryan Smith (wife Cassandra), Andrew Smith, and Nicholas Smith—were the pride of his life. He was also a loving PawPaw to his greatgrandsons, Greyson Shroyer and Theofanis “Theo” Smith.
John was a skilled meat cutter for more than 30 years, beginning his career with A&P Grocery Stores and later joining Schnucks, where his quick wit, warm personality, and gift for making everyone feel welcome made him a favorite among coworkers and customers alike. In addition to his work in the grocery industry, John was a Certified U.S. Tax Preparer and proudly served as President of the Missouri Association of Tax Preparers, where he was a dedicated and cherished member for many years. He also worked alongside John Sederburg, building lasting friendships with both colleagues and clients. John also believed deeply in serving his community; he was first elected Alderman for the City of Wentzville’s Ward 3 in 2006 and served two terms and in 2012 he was appointed to fill a seat on the Board until someone became elected. He enjoyed giving generously of his time and committed to making Ward 3 and Wentzville a great place to live.
John lived life with a tremendous love for people. He enjoyed traveling, telling jokes, sharing stories, and spending time with his family and friends. He was endlessly generous — always willing to lend a hand—and lived every day with humor, gratitude, and kindness.
In his final days, God blessed the family with precious moments: decorating for Christmas, watching the first snowfall of the season, sharing memories, and watching him enjoy all of his favorite foods. John passed peacefully, surrounded by love.
He will be missed deeply, but the legacy he leaves—his laughter, warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit—will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Theodore's Church, 5051 Hwy P, Wentzville, MO 63385 or to Strong Tower Ranch, 600 Sunshine Ln, Wright City, MO 63390
Visitation Thursday Dec. 11, 3:00–8:00 PM at Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd (St. Ann). Funeral Mass Friday December 12, 9:00 AM at St. Patrick Church, 405 Church St (Wentzville). Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Joseph Donald Rekart, 84, of Silex passed away on August 18, 2025, at Missouri Veterans Home in Mexico, Mo. He was born on October 28, 1940, to Arthur Francis and Helen Margaret (Christie) Rekart in St. Louis, MO. He attended local schools and graduated from Christian Brothers College High School. Joe enlisted in the Air Force in 1961 and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent in 1965. Served at Royal Air Force Base in England and in Nebraska. During this time, he met Kathryn Ruth (King), and they were married on May 19, 1962. To this union were born three children: Joseph Jr, Christie and Elizabeth. After military service he worked for Ford Motor Company for over 30 years at plants in San Jose, CA and retired from the Hazelwood MO plant. He started in the paint department and worked his way up to Supervisor of Quality Control department. Joe enjoyed traveling, camping, square dancing, fishing & hunting, keeping his lawn neat and taking cruises with family and friends.
Joe is survived by daughter Christie and husband Roger Proctor of Silex, MO and Grandchildren; Jason Proctor and partner Stu Safranski of St. Louis, MO, Thomas and wife Jacquilynn Proctor of Silex, MO, Samantha and husband Patrick Childers of Crawfordville, FL and Natalie and husband Bobby Tager of Fort Campbell, KY and three great grandchildren; Brandon Tager, Adalynn Tager and Noah Tager. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his daughter Elizabeth, his son,Joseph D. Rekart, Jr and siblings, Arthur W. Rekart, Richard F. Rekart and Sharon M. Bell.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Silex, MO. The Funeral Mass will also be held on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 29 St. Alphonsus Road, Silex, MO 63377 Interment – St. Alphonsus Cemetery, Millwood, MO Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook www.mccoyblossomfh.com
John graduated high school from CBC in St. Louis, Missouri and attended the University of Illinois. He married Sue Ellen Walters on August 25, 1962 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton, Illinois. He was a member of Holy Spirit of Geist Catholic Church and was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. After 30 years with O-I Glass, John concluded his career and retired as plant manager at the Williamsburg, Virginia facility. John was a lifelong Cardinal baseball fan and supporter of his alma mater, the Fighting Illini.
He enjoyed golfing and traveling with family and friends. John loved attending family reunions and his and Sue’s class reunions. His passion was bringing laughter to other people.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sue Goessling; son, Mark (Mandy) Goessling; daughter, Sheri (Todd) Elfreich; grandchildren, Nikki, Sarah, Greg, Samantha, Valerie, and Veronica; great-grandchildren, Betty and Lily; and sisters, Bridget Slatten and Judy Pautler.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Goessling; stepmother, Geraldine Goessling; sisters, Mary Lou Goessling and Sister Genevieve "Barb" Goessling, OSU.
Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Alton, Illinois, and inurnment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, the family stated that John would prefer a memorial contribution to be made to the donor's favorite charity.
Otto Anthony Etzel passed away on January 24, 2025. He was a beloved husband of 57 years to Rosemary Etzel (nee Koller). A loving father to Rose (Paul) Berra, Otto III (Shelly nee Slay) Etzel, Christina (Channing) Smith, Kathy (Kurt) Berry. Proud grandfather to Sarina, Paul, Louie and Sophia Berra, Otto IV, Henry, Anthony and Alex Etzel, Channing Stice, Giavanna, Vivianna and Milania Smith, Charlie, Matthew, Lucas, Owen and Lexie Berry. He was preceeded in death by his parents Otto and Sarina Etzel. He was a dear brother-in-law, uncle and friend to many.
Otto was born on July 18, 1940 and grew up in South St. Louis City. He was a 1958 graduate of CBC High School and attended Southern Illinois University. He met Rosemary as a young teen at the Riviera Park and Pool where she worked. They were married in 1967 and had their first of four children one year later. He started his own Food Brokerage business in 1974, O.E. Brokerage, which has recently celebrated it’s 50th Anniversary of being in business. This was his true passion. He still went into work 5 days a week and was very proud to say his son has taken over this legacy.
Another true passion of Otto’s was his love of family. Otto was an only child, so having 4 children and 17 grandchildren was his proudest accomplishment. He loved to take our entire family of 27 on vacation. He looked forward to trips to the lake and Sunday Dinners at home. He also loved watching every sporting event his children and grandchildren participated in. You would find him on the sidelines watching closely and then he would want to talk about everything you did right (or wrong) immediately after the game. He would always want to know how many goals, touchdowns, baskets, serves, races, flips or dance routines so he could put money in an envelope for you to pick up at the next Sunday dinner.
Otto was one of a kind and will be missed tremendously by his family, friends and business associates. A service will be held in his honor on Saturday February 1, 2025 at St. Catherine Laboure Parish (9740 Sappington Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128) viewing 10-11:15 am with mass to follow immediately. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Families of FANA, WNY, Inc 1100 Amherst Street Buffalo, NY 14216 https://www.familiesoffana.org/donations, The Little Lighthouse 5120 E. 36th St. Tulsa, OK 74135 https://littlelighthouse.org, Peter and Paul Community Services 2612 Wyoming Street St. Louis, MO 63118 https://ppcsinc.org/give/donate-now/.
John Edward Rabbitt, of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 84. Loving husband of Mary Eileen Deck Rabbitt; beloved son of the late John J. and Josephine M. Rabbitt; devoted father of David Rabbitt, and Catherine (Mark) Muckerman; cherished grandfather of Kaitlyn (Ben), Stan, Christian (Lauren), Claire (Dallas), Helena, and Erik; and treasured great grandfather of Cerys. John is also preceded in death by his son, Robert (Karen, Survives) Rabbitt.
John was the Cadet Colonel of the CBCHS Class of 1958. His quiet but gently humorous presence is mourned by all our Class.
John was deeply engaged in his parish activities. He found great joy in traveling and was an avid reader. He had a passion for building model airplanes and a keen interest in World War II history, particularly the tanks of that era. John cherished time with his family above all else. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Memorials may be made in John's name to Alzheimer's Association.
