Friday 29th March 2024

rudy-rehmer-4-19-22

Rudy E. Rehmer, 95, of Smithton, died Saturday, April 16, 2022 at the Good Shepherd Care Center in Versailles.

He was born January 26, 1927 in Smithton, MO a son of the late Rudolph Ernest Rehmer Sr. and Flora Bultemeier Rehmer. On November 22, 1952 at St Patrick Church in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Lillian Ann Bahner, who preceded him in death on May 13, 2020.

Rudy was raised and educated in Smithton and was a 1945 graduate of Smithton High School. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. After his discharge from the military, Rudy secured a can milk route for Tullis-Hall Dairy, and attended Vocational Agriculture Training under the GI Bill. He would go on to operate a Grade A Dairy south of Smithton with his wife for many years. Rudy later worked for the Pettis County Road Department and drove a bus for the Smithton R-VI School District. He was a member of American Legion Post 305 and Voiture 333 of the 40&8. Rudy was an active member of St. John’s in Bahner for many years. He enjoyed collecting Tullis-Hall memorabilia, antique tractors, depression era glass ware, mushroom hunting and playing cards. But most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by a son, Jeffrey Alan Rehmer (Tonalea) of Smithton; a sister, Geneva Hampy of Florence; 6 grandchildren, Joe Rehmer (Holly), Andrew Rehmer (Kendra), Nathan Rehmer (Jenna), Jennifer Hart (Nate), Walker Knox, Garrett Knox; 14 great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Jaimee, Logan, Emerson, Cameron, Zachary, Bryson, Nolan, Aubrey, Eli, Henry, Rudy, Charlotte and Lily; and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Vicky Kay and Elaine Rehmer; a brother, Quincy Rehmer; and a sister, Gertrude Stephens.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at St. John Chapel in Bahner. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at  St. John’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Joe Rehmer, Andrew Rehmer, Nathan Rehmer, Matt Bahner, Walker Knox and Garrett Knox. Prayers of the Rosary will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the McLaughlin Funeral Chapel with visitation to follow until 8:30 p.m.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. John’s Cemetery, Benton County Hospice, or Good Shepherd Care Center, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.