Michel Funeral Home

06/19/2026

Mary Catherine (nee Braun) Triplett, 72 of Ballwin, MO, formerly of Washington, MO passed away June 10, 2026.

Born February 22, 1954 in Washington, MO the youngest child to Anthony Braun and Virginia (nee Cole) Braun.

Mary graduated from Washington High School in 1972. She worked as a CNA for the last 38 years. Mary was a Cardinals fan, loved Toby Keith, I Love Lucy, playing games and the slots but there was nothing she loved more than her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and her brother Barry.

Mary leaves behind her son Chris Baker and wife Kim, 5 grandchildren, Tyler Baker and wife Miranda, Taylor Baker, Ashton Baker, Landon Baker and Sawyer Baker; 2 great grandchildren Hank and Dean; 2 brothers Dave Braun and his wife Janet, Paul Braun and his wife Diane; sister Bonnie Hunter and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 25, 2026 from 1-4 p.m. at the Washington Auditorium L.L. at 211 High Street, Washington, MO 63090. Please come share a story, a laugh a tear and play a game or two in memory of Mary. Everyone is encouraged to wear STL Cardinals gear.

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06/16/2026

Deborah L. Ladley (Casey), 74, passed away on June 1, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Born on August 12, 1951, in St. Louis, Deborah – Debby – was the daughter of August Casey Jr. and Patsy Ann Taylor Casey Love and older sister of Cathy Casey Thorpe, Mark Casey, and Richard Casey. She graduated from Maplewood-Richmond Heights High School and then the University of Missouri St. Louis.

Debby was intelligent, kind, generous, and surprisingly funny for someone with an extensive mock turtleneck collection. She loved cooking shows, but hated cooking; she loved talking about local and national politics but never missed an opportunity to watch Drumline or Encino Man when they were on TV; and she loved telling people how special and loved they were, even though compliments made her uncomfortable.

If she could, Debby would tell you bring treats to your next meeting, give your umbrella to a stranger stuck in the rain, have a bad joke in your back pocket for when you need to lighten the mood, and to watch General Hospital (because it’s still really good, even after all these years).

Deborah is survived by her daughter, Amy, and son, Chris; and her sister, Cathy Thorpe, and brother, Richard Casey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Humane Society or Nurses for Newborns.

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06/15/2026

06/15/2026

Kenneth L. Brockmeier passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 6, 2026. Born in St. Louis, MO March 25, 1937 to Walter Brockmeier and Clara (nee Shook) Brockmeier.

Loving husband to Louise (nee Hammer) Brockmeier. Devoted father to Brian Contestabile. Adoring grandfather of Ariana. Dear brother of Vincent (Sharon) Brockmeier. Dear uncle to Beth Hoffmann and Cathie (Monte) Krueger. Dear great-uncle to Brock and Tom (Meredith) Krueger. Brother-in-law to Jim Hoffmann and Carol Damewood. He was also a dear cousin and friend to many.

Along with his parents, Kenneth is preceded in death by his first wife Sharon (nee Kissling) Brockmeier, sister Janet Hoffmann, and brother-in-law Lowell Damewood.

His first love was for his family and friends, proudly spending much time throughout his life with his wife and son, and granddaughter in his later years. His greatest accomplishments were being a husband, father, grandpa and uncle.

Kenneth was a dedicated newspaper carrier for the St. Louis area for nearly 50 years, with countless hours of rolling and throwing the daily news. Loved hobbies included being a long-term member of the Italia-America Bocce Club, spending time on the golf course with his best of friends, volunteering with the Men’s Club at Epiphany Catholic Church and Maplewood Lions Club helping with many barbecue events, and relaxing with friends at his favorite watering hole, Babe’s tavern. He also spent many hours working around the house, including gardening, planting, and proudly maintaining his home and vehicles.

Thank you to our beloved caregivers, past and present, for the love and patience you have given to Ken and Louise through this time.

VISITATION : Tuesday, June 23, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139.

SERVICES: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Michel Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m.

INTERMENT: 12:30 pm Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

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06/15/2026

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce that Dorothea Shane Luetkemeyer (nee Gratton), passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2026, with her family by her side.

She was born on April 29, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to David and Dorothea Gratton. She graduated from Clayton High School, in Clayton , Missouri.

In 1971, she married Kenneth Luetkemeyer,, and together, they built a strong, loving family with their 3 daughters. Shane will be fondly remembered for her love of being a mom, a grandma and a great grandma. Her relationships with the people in her life were very important to her, and she made sure everyone felt loved. She had an easy going personality, and was a wonderful friend. She loved to take care of everyone with a meal she prepared, talking out problems with people, or sharing her vast supply of candy with anyone who wanted some. Diamond art became a hobby later in her life, and we were all gifted with a framed piece of diamond art carefully selected by her for each person.

Shane is survived by her three daughters, Terri (Emily Lamb) Hartman, Regan (John) Schropp, and Tory (Mateusz) Wolynski, her grandchildren, Samantha (Katelynn) Hartman-Geier, Scott (Anthony Quintanilla) Hartman, Sandy (Brett) LaFrance, Lux Luetkemeyer-Schropp and Devin Behnen, her great grandchildren Roman, Remi, and Ryker LaFrance, and her best friend and soul sister Barb Becker.

She is preceded in death her husband Ken, her parents and a sister.

Mom, we love you so much, and will miss you always. We have to learn to be the glue now that you are gone, and we promise to do everything we can to make you proud.

A memorial service will be held on June 27, 2026 from 12-2 p.m. at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139. A light lunch will be served from 1:00 - 2:00 P.m. during the visitation with the family, with a short service to start at 12:00 P.M.

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06/13/2026

In Loving Memory of Dion Frank Shaffer Sr.

Dion Frank Shaffer Sr., 60, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on June 6, 2026.

Dion was a man who never shied away from hard work and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Known for his strength, generosity, sense of humor, and kind heart, he spent his life helping others, fixing things that were broken, and creating memories with family and friends. Whether it was repairing a vehicle, working on a motorcycle, fixing a bicycle, or helping someone in need, Dion was the person many people could count on.

A graduate of Afton High School, Dion built friendships wherever he went. He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, working with his hands, telling stories, playing pranks, and spending time with the people he loved. He had a way of making people laugh, feel welcome, and leave with a story to tell. Those who knew him best remember a man who was loyal to his friends, devoted to his family, and always ready for an adventure.

Dion was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. Some of his happiest memories were made sharing rides, stories, laughter, and time with family. His love of motorcycles, his willingness to help others, and his determination left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his longtime companion of 14 years, Sara Crawford; his children, Dion Shaffer Jr., Clayton Shaffer, Becca Shaffer, and Autumn Crawford; his grandchildren, Liam, Gracelynn, Laila, Lakelyn, Everleigh, Eliana, and Anakin; his siblings, Shaun Shaffer and Farrah Owydat; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Judy Owydat and Frank Shaffer.

Though life was not always easy, Dion faced it with resilience, humor, and an unwavering willingness to help others. The qualities that defined him—his strength, stubbornness, generosity, work ethic, and love for those around him—live on through his family and all those whose lives he touched.

His final words, spoken to the woman he loved, were, “Love you, bye.” Those simple words perfectly reflect the legacy he leaves behind: a life marked by friendship, family, laughter, and love.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dion’s life on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63139.

Though he is gone, his memory lives on in the stories we tell, the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the family he loved. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Ride free, Dion.

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06/09/2026

Danny E. Amsden

June 5, 1949 - May 30, 2026

SERVICES: Meet at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 at 10:00 a.m. for a 12:00 p.m. graveside at Bellerive Cemetery 740 N. Mason Rd., St. Louis, MO 63141.

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06/07/2026

Rafael Diaz Madera, Jr.

January 28, 1979 - May 25, 2026

VISITATION: June 8, 2026 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 4-8 p.m.

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06/04/2026

Eric Lawrence Moore

May 25, 1963 - May 10, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished Eric Lawrence Moore, beloved youngest child preceded in death by parents Arthur R. Moore and Rose M. Moore, Brian K. Moore (brother), Sandra “Sandy” Lowenstein (sister). Deeply mourned by Darlene McGraw (fiancé), Eric Thomas “Tommy” Moore (son), brothers Terry L. Moore (Donna) of Springfield, IL, Craig A. Moore of Festus, MO, Trent L. Moore (Micky) of Ft. Lauderdale FL and sister Valerie G. Evans (Jim) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Eric shared many fond childhood memories of family and friends, and truck-driving adventures across America.

Donations to the American Cancer Society, Mercy Hospice South / DeGreeff Hospice House in honor of Eric’s memory are welcome.

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06/02/2026

Steven R. Helton, 56 of St. Louis, Missouri passed away on May 19 th , 2026, in St. Louis, in his home surrounded with love by his family.

Steve was born on March 8 th , 1970. He was baptized at Twin Rivers Church.

Steve worked as a Warehouse Supervisor starting on Produce Row followed by Beverage Concept, Allen Foods, DPI and his ultimate favorite work and work family at 10 by 3. He was a hardworking and dedicated employee.

Steve LIVED life with his outgoing, fun, loving, strong and loyal personality. He was always willing to jump in to help or lighten any mood with a quick joke. He could talk to anyone about anything. He loved educating himself daily.

Steve loved and supported his family in every measure. The kids always said, He can do ANYTHING with his glasses. His wisdom was beyond his years. He was always there for the kids, listening, teaching, guiding and most of all, playing. He loved fishing, baseball, hockey, racing, boxing, music, concerts, gambling, BBQing, off road mudding and pyro techs. Steve will be greatly missed by all.

Steve leaves behind his wife, Cindy, his two kids, Gabriel and Aleeya, his siblings, Tammy Fox- Davis, Jimmy Huson, David Huson (Amy Huson), his nephews, Anthony Fox, Alex Fox, Bradley Huson, his niece Alyssa Cerrvera. Along with MANY cousins and friends. Steve was proceeded in death by his mother, Sharon Huson and his grand-mother, Adele Egan.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 5 th , 2026, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at: Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Ave. St. Louis, MO. 63139. There will be a short service honoring his life at 6:00 P.M.

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