Michel Funeral Home

10/16/2026

Mark Anthony Esparza, affectionately known to many as “Bird,” was born on February 11, 1964, and passed away on October 13, 2026. He was the beloved son of Doris Esparza and the late Ygnacio “Chico” Esparza; a loving father to Emily, Ali, Meredith, and Lukas; and a proud papa to his grandchildren, Wrenn, Jayda, Nevaeh, Creed, and Braxton. And we can’t forget his four-legged pal, Luna. Mark was also a cherished nephew, cousin, and friend to many.

Mark was a successful entrepreneur who pursued many endeavors in St. Louis and Florida, a place he loved and called home. He loved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Chevy trucks, and of course, making sure people knew when they were wrong. Mark never shied away from a good bet... or a cold Stag.

He may have been a little headstrong, but underneath it all, Mark had a big heart and would do anything for anyone. He never met a stranger, and those who knew him will remember his larger-than-life personality and the unmistakable way he approached life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in Mark’s memory.

Monday, October 19, 2026 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 4:30 p.m.

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10/08/2026

Anita Gamble passed away October 6, 2026. Born February 6, 1949 to the late Frank Niederkorn and the late Rosemarie (nee Johnston) Niederkorn. Beloved mother of Michelle (Jeffrey) Riedy. Loving grandmother of Ian Ericson, Greta Gamble, Brody McWhorter, and Emmett Gamble.

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10/03/2026

Matthew passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 22, 2026. Born June 5, 1956 to the late Joseph Marciano and the late Joanna (Elson) Marciano.

Devoted husband of Jill (Madalon) Marciano. Loving father of two sets of twins; Ashley Marciano, Melissa Marciano, Megan Marciano, and Matthew Marciano to whom he lovingly passed on his passion for nature and adventure. Beloved Uncle and friend to many.

Beloved brother of John Marciano, Steve Marciano, Tom Marciano and Theresa Marciano. He is preceded in death by his brothers Mickey and Joseph Marciano and sister Sharon Marciano.

Matthew was an avid beekeeper, landscaper, hunter, cave explorer and conservationist. He was a mentor to many, sharing his interests and knowledge to anyone who would listen. As a founding member of the Missouri Caves and Karst Conservancy (MCKC), he left a lasting impact on the preservation and exploration of Missouri Caves.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to MCKC in an effort to continue his legacy.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. with prayer services beginning at 10:00 a.m.

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09/30/2026

Steven Anthony Sheperd
January 2, 1990 – September 28, 2026

Steven Anthony Sheperd, 36, of Festus, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2026.

Steven was a hardworking and devoted family man who did everything he could for the people he loved. He was a loving husband to his wife, Brittany Sheperd, and a devoted father to their children, Bailey, Adalynn, Emilia, Lincoln, and Everly. His family meant everything to him, and so much of what he did was for Brittany and the kids.

Steven loved being outdoors and working with his hands. He enjoyed making things out of wood and could always find something to work on or create. He also loved his rocks. He enjoyed finding them, looking at them, breaking them down, and seeing what was inside.

Some of Steven’s happiest moments were the simple ones spent with his family. He loved taking the kids for walks, swimming with them, and spending time around the water. If it involved water, Steven was happy. Those everyday moments with Brittany and the kids are memories his family will forever hold close.

Steven is survived by his wife, Brittany Sheperd; their children, Bailey, Adalynn, Emilia, Lincoln, and Everly; his parents, John and Carol Finch; his father in law Robert Sheperd; his mother in law Marcia Kelley(Jason Kelley); his brother, Scott Finch(Britney Finch) their children, Braydin, Connor, Jaycee, and Avery; his sister-in-law, Bridget Sheperd(Kevin Maurer) and their children Ava, Kylee, Stella, Max, and Myla; and many other family members and friends who loved him deeply.

Steven’s unexpected passing leaves an unimaginable emptiness in the lives of those who loved him. He will be remembered as a hardworking man, a loving husband and father, and someone who always worked to provide for and take care of his family. Most of all, he will live on through Brittany, his children, the memories they made together, and the countless little moments they will carry with them forever.

SERVICES: PRIVATE

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09/29/2026

Nikola Marincic of O’Fallon Missouri passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, September 27th, 2026 surrounded by his wife and daughter. He was 90 years old. Nikola is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Milka (Marich) Marincic; his daughter Maria (Tom) Britt; grandchildren Daniel and Madelyn Britt; sister Dusanka (+ Ivica); sister Ljubinka (NIikola); brother Miodrag (+Mirjana) and many nieces and nephews. Nikola is preceded in death by his father Pavle, mother Marija, sisters Magda and Angelina and brother Stevan (Mirjana).

Nikola was born July 17, 1936 in Dalmatinsko Kosovo. The eldest son of seven children (three sons and four daughters) to Pavel and Marija Marincic. In the winter of 1943, due to mounting pressure from the communist who were gaining control of the region his parents moved the family to Indjija, Srem (now Serbia) in search of a better life. Later, in 1963, Nikola, inheriting his grandfather’s thirst for adventure, set off to Paris, France. There he worked as a Tool and Dye Mechanic while he pursued different opportunities in Australia, South Africa and eventually settling on the United States. In 1969 Nikola settled in St Louis, Missouri with the help of his childhood friend Zoran Gavrilovich and sponsorship of Karl Ries.

From day one Nikola was welcomed into the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church family. There he met lifelong friends. He was an active member serving on various boards and committees in both church and choir. Nikola often traveled with the choir around the country to different festivals and extravaganzas. On one such occasion he met and fell in love with Milka Marich. They married in July 1974. A few years later they welcomed their only child, a daughter, Maria born March 1977. In October of 2000 she married Tom Britt. In 2004 they welcomed twins Daniel and Madelyn. Nikola was a proud and dotting Deda (grandfather). He would always say greatest accomplishment was first and foremost his family; a close second was his love for his church. You could always find Nikola at the end of the bar when service was over having a drink and talking with his friends. If a new person walked through the door Nikola would be the first to welcome them and make them feel at home. He loved deeply and was loved by so many.

VISITATION: Monday, October 5, 2026 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church 1910 Serbian Drive, St. Louis, MO 63104 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with Pomen beginning at 7 p.m.

SERVICES: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church at 10:00 a.m.

Interment Mount Hope Cemetery.

Family has requested flowers to be purchased by Always In Bloom https://www.alwaysinbloomstlouis.com/.

In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be sent to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Choir.

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09/23/2026

On September 19,2026, Pamela Lynn Berry (nee Pritchett) took her final bow at 7:48 A. M. , surrounded by her son Mathew Hummel and sister Phyllis Zimmerman. Pam was born on November 15th, 1956 to Paul D. Pritchett and Patsy L. Crafton (Reed) who preceded her in death. She was a loving granddaughter to Mathew and Villa Reed, also deceased, whom she loved spending time with and had a special relationship with her Grandmother Villa.

Pam was the widow of Daniel J Berry and former wife of Keith Hummel Sr. She leaves behind 4 children Keith Hummel Jr (Lisa) Mathew Hummel, Joseph Hummel (Anna Himmelman) and Anna Conger (James). Three grandchildren, Katie Hummel, Raymond and Evan Conger, 1 sister Phyllis Zimmerman, 2 uncles, 2 stepsons, numerous step grandchildren, cousins, 2 nieces and friends.

Pam’s life was a journey of challenges and resilience. Though she faced personal struggles, she never lost her deep love for her children. She had a gift for making people laugh, even in difficult times, and a heart that cared deeply for those around her. Pam’s story reminds us that every life holds both hardship and hope and despite her struggles, Pam had moments of great kindness, creativity, and generosity. She faced her struggles with a brave face but a broken heart. Before her passing she told me, her sister, that she only hopes her children knew how much she truly loved them and that she had many regrets that she hoped she would be forgiven for, not by God but by the 4 that meant the most to her.

Pam faced her last years with courage as she battled dialysis and kidney disease and a fall early spring requiring the last months in rehab or the hospital due to other health factors. Not being able to recover from the initial injury gave her further health complications, that in the end could not be cured and which caused those last months to be filled with physical pain, uncertainty and regrets so deep that she hoped the outcome would be different to give her more time to fix those regrets.

Pam faced the word hospice with fear thinking she would die alone, and I promised she would have Matt and I by her side. With great dignity and the moment the caring staff at Mercy South asked, Are you ready? Pam confirmed her decision, and she bravely faced the outcome without tears just a quiver of her chin and a nod. Saying goodbye was extremely hard which she tried to lighten the mood and ask if we needed her to bring any messages to loved ones long past, of course, I had a long list, but the 3 of us had a little chuckle.

I will miss my daily talks with my sister and I hope she knows how much I loved her and wished her life’s journey would not have been so hard and as she took those last breaths, I prayed that her afterlife would be filled with joy and true happiness, an eternity without pain or regrets and as she took that final breath I knew she was pain free and at peace. Her last wish was for me to remind her children how much she truly loved them, how proud she was of each of them, and her hope was for the 4 of them would have wonderful lives and remember some of the good times with love, and lastly to forgive her.

Final resting place with be at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis MO alongside of Daniel J Berry. A celebration of life will be held privately at a later date.

09/22/2026

Anthony Gotsis, 64, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on September 7, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Anthony was a warm, funny, and loving man who cherished his family above all else. He deeply loved his wife, Robin, and their life together was one of his greatest joys. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served his country twice.
Anthony was a devoted father to Sarah (Allen), Holly (Jacob), Nicholas and Tyler, and a proud grandfather to Greyson and Lucy, who brought him immense joy.

He will be remembered for his humor, kindness, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

SERVICES: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. will full military honors.

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09/15/2026

Marcia Kay (nee Blattner) Palazzolo passed away peacefully September 9, 2026. Born October 16, 1950 to the late Peter Blattner and the late Revay (nee Jarvis) O’Brien.

Loving mother of Angela (Keith) Louis and Peter (Kaitlyn) Palazzolo, and cherished longtime partner Jim Rayfield. Beloved grandmother of Connor, Bryce, Adriana, Isabella, Olivia, and Delilah. Dear sister of Sheila Schott. Loving aunt and dear friend to many.

Marcia is preceded in death by her; brother’s Don Blattner and Peter Blattner.

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09/14/2026

Raymond Joseph Hric, 87, of the St. Louis area passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026.

Raymond was born on April 10, 1939, in Pardee, VA. He graduated from Appalachia, VA in 1957 and VA Tech in Blacksburg 1962. Following graduation he entered the United States Air Force, where he trained as a navigator on a B52. He Captain. After Military service, he went to work for the Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center (DMAAC) until he retired in 1994.

He was a sports enthusiast, enjoying softball, basketball, the Cardinals, both baseball and football. After he left DMAAC, he enjoyed building projects and outdoor work; he also took great pleasure in painting, woodworking, stained glass, and diamond-dot artwork.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Joan Dougas Hric. He is survived by children: sons, Jeffrey (Carol); Christopher (Sally}; Sherry (Joe) Poffel; Karen (Steve) Todd; Amanda (Steve) Albers; and Sarah (Jamie) Harger all in Missouri. He had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Raymond is survived by 2 brothers; Paul in VA and Bruce (Lorraine) in NC and his sisters, Irene of Texas and Pat Murray of Louisiana, along with other loving family members.

Raymond was preceded in death by his sisters Nell Wells and Anne Taylor.

Raymond will be remembered for his dedication to his country, his love of family and his many interests and talents.

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09/05/2026

Patrick Joseph Kimerle (Pat), LCDR USN Retired, passed away on 02 Sept 2026 after battling pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Sandra {Hale} Kimerle and his daughter, Christina Kimerle. Dear brother of the late Diane Kimerle Kates and the late Dennis Kimerle. Dear brother-in-law of Michael and Laura Hale. Dear son of the late Willard and Carol Kimerle.
Deal uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Patrick grew up in Shrewsbury, MO and attended Afton High School, class of 1973. He eventually graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale in 1990. He was married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Shrewsbury on 10 Sept 1977. He enlisted in the US Navy in Oct 1977. Served 12 years as enlisted, being promoted to Chief Petty Officer in 1986. He was commissioned as an Ensign on 01 Aug 1990 through the Limited Duty Officer Program. Retired as a Lieutenant Commander on 01 Nov 2002. His duty station included Great Lakes, IL for Boot Camp and “A” School. He attended Naval Nuclear Power School in Orlando FL. He attended Nuclear Power Prototype training in Idaho Falls, ID. Reported to his first ship USS South Carolina in Aug 1979. His next ship was Pre-Commissioning Unit Theodore Roosevelt, being built at
Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA; he was part of the first 50 people reporting. In Oct 1987 transferred to Newport, Rhode Island to train junior officers in steam engineering.
There he was commissioned and transferred back to USS Theodore Roosevelt. After 3 years and surviving Desert Storm he transferred to USS Emory S. Land (a submarine repair ship) for 4
years. He then was transferred to Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Newport News Shipyard overseeing various aircraft carrier repair projects. His final duty station was USS Harry S. Truman where he retired in Nov 2002. Throughout his naval career he had the privilege of meeting and escorting multiple famous folks: shook hands with Pope John Paul II in 1982, was kissed by Miss America in 1980, escorted Colin Powell, Dick Chaney, Jeff Gordon, Terry Labonte, President Bill Clinton and others.

After retiring from the Navy, he was a government contractor supporting US Navy ships and Military Sealift Command with repairing ships in Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Bahrain and South Korea. He eventually retired in May 2022 but still did repair jobs a couple of times per year. He loved the travel that came with his jobs.

The family took overseas trips to Spain, Singapore, Japan, and to see the Cardinals play in London, as well annual trips throughout the US. Two of his favorite vacations were visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
After 45 years living in the Norfolk, Virginia area, he moved back to St. Louis in Aug 2023. Pat was a dedicated fan of the St Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals, as well as the 6X National Championship St. Louis SLAM Women’s Pro Football Team. The St. Louis SLAM is the second winningest pro team in St. Louis only behind the St. Louis Cardinals.

Funeral services shall be performed at Michel Funeral Home at 5930 Southwest Ave. St Louis MO 63139. Viewing will take place 4:00 – 8:00 pm 17 Sept 2026. A graveside service and burial
is to be performed at Jefferson Barrack National Cemetery on 18 Sept 2026 at 12:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Louis SLAM Women’s Pro Football Team of the Women’s Football Alliance of which his daughter played and is actively involved as sideline support and Vice President of the organization. Donations can be made online:
https://givebutter.com/SLAM2026Giving.