fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Tues., May 6, 2008. Beloved husband of Mary F. Merkel (nee Janson); dearest father of Timothy (Susan) Merkel and Paula (Frank) Davidson; dear grandfather of Mary, Elizabeth, Kathleen, Florence, Paul, George and Herman; dear great-grandfather of Loren, Emyle, Andrew, Brieana and baby-to-be; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend.

Mr. Merkel donated his remains to St. Louis University School of Medicine and was a public safety officer with Town & Country and Assistant Fire Marshal for Manchester, a job he loved very much.

Services:Memorial Mass Sat., May 10, 10 a.m. at Holy Spirit Church, 3130 Parkwood Lane, (Maryland Heights). Memorial contributions may be given to Holy Spirit Church or the Backstoppers. COLLIERS FUNERAL HOME SERVICE.

Born October 4, 1929 to Margaret (nee Nill) and Frank Helle, his loving Mom and Dad and passed from this life on Mon., May 5, 2008. Gene was the beloved husband of Rose Marie (nee DuBuque) Helle for 57 years. He was the best Dad that Gene Jr., Mike (Patti) and John could have ever had, always ready to help them with whatever they needed, especially his good common sense. Abigail and Daniel will miss their Grandpa and Kaleb and Josh, their Great-Grandpa. He was a special brother to Frank (Barbara) and to Dolores Dupree (the late A.J.Dupree) and to Dorothy (Mike Kroeger) Boyher. He was a great uncle to many nieces and nephews, a special brother-in-law and a good friend to many.

Gene was a proud member of the Webster Groves Fire Department for 31 years, retiring in 1988 as Deputy Chief. He was a member of the Anglers of Missouri Inc., for 50 years. Fishing, hunting and woodworking were 3 of his favorite pastimes. Oh how we all loved him and will miss him very much.

SERVICES: Visitation 4-8 pm Thurs., at GERBER CHAPEL 23 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, (968-2000). Funeral 2pm Fri., at Gerber Chapel. Interment Forever Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are appreciated to The Fire Dept. Backstoppers, P.O Box 66927, St. Louis, MO 63166 or SSM Hospice 1187 Corporate Lake Dr., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63132-2915. Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gerberchapel.com.

Saturday, April 26, 2008. Beloved husband of Cecilia and the late Patricia M. Mercier; dearest father of Mary (Gary) Murvai, Mark (Laura), Philip (Leann) and Jim (Debbie) Mercier; dear grandfather and great-grandfather; our brother-in-law, uncle and friend.

Don was a retired firefighter with the Jennings Fire Department and the neighborhood barber next door to the fire station. He loved to socialize and was known for his karaoke performances, he enjoyed swing dancing and was a Missouri State Horseshoe Champion.

Services:The Stygar Family of Funeral Service is caring for the Mercier family at the STYGAR FLORISSANT Chapel, 13980 New Halls Ferry Rd., where VISITATION WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY FROM 3-8 P.M. Funeral Services at 8:00 p.m. Private interment at a later date. www.stygar.com.

April 12, 2008. Mr. Rizzuto was a past member of the Kinloch Fire Department and the Castle Point Fire Protection Association.

Services: Visitation at Stygar Funeral Home, 13980 New Halls Ferry Road, Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. The funeral will be Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. from the funeral home.

April 12, 2008. Beloved husband of Betty Cierpiot; dear father of Sandra Hagar, Rhonda Behnk, Christina LaPlant and Jacqueline Kurtz; dear grandfather of 11, great-grandfather of 5; dear brother of Mary Lou Henry, Jerry Cierpiot and Janet Lampe, our dear father-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend.

Tom was a retired fireman from the West Overland Fire Department where he worked for many years.

Services: At ORTMANN'S 9222 Lackland, Overland, Thurs., April 17, 11 a.m. Interment Fee Fee Cemetery. Donations to Backstoppers appreciated. Visitation from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday.

Entered into rest on Thurs., Apr. 10, 2008. Beloved husband of the late June Adele Wiese (nee McGeehon); dear father of Donna (Bill) Pierce and Hank (Kym) Wiese and the late Christopher and Diane Wiese; proud grandfather of Paul, Matthew, Brian, Lori, Amanda, George, Kara, Hunter, Brandon and Nicole; loving great-grandfather.

Don was a former St. Louis City Police Officer and a retired State Farm Insurance Agent. Don also served as a Director with the Spanish Lake Fire Protection District from 1967 to 1973.

Services: The Stygar Family of Funeral Service is caring for Donald's family. Funeral at STYGAR MID RIVERS Funeral Home, 5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. (St. Charles) on Tues., Apr. 15 at 1 p.m. Interment Zion Cemetery (St. Louis). Memorials to Bethany Peace U.C.C., 11952 Bellefontaine Rd., St. Louis, MO 63138. Visitation Tues., Apr. 15, 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. www.stygar.com.

Baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Tues., Apr. 1, 2008. Beloved husband of Betty J. (nee Hunter); loving father of Beverly (Don) McAllister, Claire Scoles, Nancy (Jack) Hessler and the late Janice Schmitt; cherished grandfather of Jill, April, Samantha, Patrick, Timothy, Matthew, Michael, Erica, Andrea, Sara, Robert and Brett; great-grandfather of 6; dear friend to many.

Jack faithfully served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps, instructed cadets at the St. Louis Fire Academy, earned his Master's Degree in Communications from Webster University and retired as a Captain in the City of St. Louis Fire Department after 23 years of service. He then became a safety specialist for Anheuser-Busch. He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Contributions to Backstoppers, American Parkinson's Disease Association or the St. James Missouri Veterans Home appreciated.

Services:Funeral at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. (at Butler Hill), Fri., Apr. 4, 9 a.m. Interment J. B. National Cemetery. Visitation Thurs., 4-8 p.m.

Sunday, March 30, 2008, baptized into the hope of Christ's Resurrection. Beloved husband of Florence E. Koester (nee Keeven); dear father and father-in-law of Kenneth (Susan) Koester and Karen Koester; dear grandfather of Elizabeth (Grant) Krueger and Joseph Koester; dear brother of Lucy Gravemann, Rose Jackson and the late Adele Hoormann, LaVerne Hoormann and Paul Koester; dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

Mr. Koester was a firefighter for the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District for 25 years retiring as a Captain in 1984 and was a member of V.F.W. Post 4105.

Services: Procession from HUTCHENS Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd., Florissant, Thursday, April 3 at 9:30 a.m. to St. Ferdinand Catholic Church, 1765 Charbonier Rd. for a 10:00 a.m. Mass, interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, visitation 3-9 p.m. Wed., April 2. Masses preferred.

Sunday, March 23, 2008. Beloved husband of JoAnn Cook (nee Leipert); loving father of Sandra Feagans, Bonnie Pallister, Brenda (Don) Campbell and Jamie (Dan) Heitert; dearest grandfather of Hallie, Daniel, Kaleigh, Kasey, Brianna, Rachel and Cory; great-grandfather of River, Fox, Madison, Parker and Lincoln; dear brother of Millard, O.V. and Jake Cook, Delores Bot, Marilyn Faye Montgomery, Pat Riley and the late Harold Cook and Mary Lee Lowery; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend.

Services: Funeral at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. (at Butler Hill) on Thurs., March 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Interment National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contribu tions to the Backstoppers appreciated. Visitation Wed., 4-8 p.m.

Died peacefully at home on Monday, March 17, 2008 at the age of 69. He was born on February 15, 1939. Beloved husband of Barbara (Johannpeter) of 49 years; dear father of Scott (Tracy) Koster, Donna (Rod) Gerke, Jennifer (Michael) Dattilo, and Kerry (Karl) Schneider, all of St. Louis, MO; dear grandfather of Ian (Danica), Zach, Luke, Jared, Molly, Courtney, Caleb and Liam; dear great-grandfather of Erin.

Bob proudly served the United States in the Marine Corps from 1956-1958. He worked as a St. Louis City fireman for 22 years and successfully ran Koster Asphalt Sealing Company from 1973-1998. Bob was a friend to many and loved by all.

The Koster Family would like to thank the nurses at Odyssey Hospice Care and the doctors and nurses at SLUH. A special thank you to Dr. Hans Reimer and Dr. Allison Wall for their special care and consideration at this most difficult time.

Memorials to the Backstoppers would be appreciated.Services: Funeral Thursday, 10 a.m. at JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS, 7027 Gravois. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation Wed. 4-9 p.m.

Baptized in the Holy Spirit, March 16, 2008 at home surrounded by his children. Beloved husband of the late Dorothy Ann Schicker (nee Clarke); dear father and fatherin-law of Norman Jr. (Abbie) Schicker, Michael K. (Nancy) Schicker, Lonni Schicker, Mary (Jack) Allen; dear grandfather (Poppo) of Chris Schicker, Robyn Novak, Heather Arnette, Megan (Pete) Noonan, Matt (Terry Cooper) Schicker, Andy Schicker, Christina (Joe) Roberds, Matt (Carson), Nicholas (Sarah), Ambrose Jr., Daniel Dallas-Schicker, special Poppo to Amy and the late Daniel Hoffmann; dear great-grandfather of Riley, Jackson, Camden, Drake Noonan, Olivia Roberds and Madison Schicker; dear brother-in-law of Anne M. Clarke; special friend Fr. Charles Diester and David Mueckl; dear uncle, cousin and a great friend to many, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Parishoners and to Mehlville Fire Protect Dist. from where he retired.

Services: Visitation and Mass Service at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, 4900 Ringer Rd., Tues., March 18, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. with Mass immediately following.

Memorial contributions to the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque or to a charity of your choice. FEY Service.

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Thurs., Mar. 6, 2008. Beloved husband of Geraldine Meyer (nee Burris); loving brother of Fr. Fred A. Meyer, Sheila (Manuel) Smith and the late Patricia Svoboda; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, greatuncle, cousin and friend to many.

Howard proudly served with the U. S. Marine Corps and was a St. Louis Firefighter Retiree.

Services:Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Wed., March 12, 10:30 a.m. to Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church for an 11 a.m. Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Visitation Tues., 3-9 p.m.

Suddenly March 3, 2008. Beloved husband of Deanna D. Fey Stark; dear father of David E. Jr., Dennis H. (Dina) Stark and the late Donna M. Shockley; dear brother of Delores (Leo) Reinwald, Dudley (Charlene) Stark and the late Dianne Danielson and Dale Stark; dear grandfather of Rebecca Shockley, Stacey (Kenny) Scott, Courtney, Taelor, David III, and Dustyn Stark; great-grandfather of Margaret J. Scott; dear uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.

David was a retiree of the Mehlville Fire Protect Dist. with 23 years of service. Training Officer and Deputy Chief of Goldman Fire Protection Dist., Manager and Funeral Director of Fey Funeral Home for 27 years.

Services: Funeral from FEY Funeral Home, 4100 Lemay Ferry Rd. (S. of Lindbergh), Fri., March 7, 10 a.m. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery. Odd Fellows Lodge #5 Service, 7 p.m., Thurs. and Mehlville Lions Club Service Thurs., 7:30 p.m. Memorials may be given to the Back Stoppers or St. Jude's Hospital for Children. IN PARLORS 2 P.M. UNTIL 9 P.M., THURS.

Saturday, February 23, 2008. Beloved father of Holly Bulfin, Brian (Korrie) and Brad (Benita) Zelch; dear grandfather of Alicia, Caitlin, Matt, Stacey, Jamie, BJ and Alex; dear brother of Virgie Friedmeyer; dear former husband of Joanne Zelch; dear brother of the late Harold Zelch; our dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, special friend of Carol Appel and dear friend of many.

Chief Zelch served as Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District for 30 years and was a member of the Masons, Shriners and Missouri Mules.

Services: Funeral at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. (at Butler Hill) on Wednesday, February 27 at 1 p.m. Interment St. John's U.C.C. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Backstoppers, P.O. Box 66927, St. Louis, MO 63166. Visitation Tuesday 3-9 p.m.

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 at age 70. Loving husband of Janice M. Erschen (nee Praechter) for 47 years; beloved father of Edward J. (Michele) Erschen, Jr. and Pamela M. Lawson (Dave Wooldridge); dear grandfather of Rachel & Sarah Erschen, Jamie, Amanda & Joseph Lawson, Jr. and Amber & Amanda Wooldridge; brother of Mary Ann (Arthur) Oetjen, John Erschen and the late Joseph F. (JoAnn - survives) Erschen; dear uncle, nephew, cousin, brother-in-law and friend to many.

Mr. Erschen was a retired St. Louis City Firefighter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated.

Services: 11:30 a.m., Friday from JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS, 7027 Gravois (63116) to St. John the Baptist for a 12:00 Noon Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. VISITATION: Thursday 4-9 p.m.

Mon., Feb. 18, 2008. Beloved husband of 70 years to the late Antonia (Lena) Oliver (nee English); dearest father of Rosemarie (Robert) Mattingly, JoAnn (Wayne) Provencher, Sharon (Marty) Novak and Charles A. Oliver; dearest grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle and great-great-uncle.

Charles was a dedicated St. Louis City Firefighter and in retirement his dedication to helping others remained strong. He is now rejoicing with the heavenly choir.

Services:Visitation at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel, 10151 Gravois, Thurs., Feb. 21, 4-8 p.m. Services and burial private.

Baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, suddenly at the age of 49, Friday, January 18, 2008. Dear husband of Lori (nee Hosselkus) Berra; dear father of Victorio Paul and Alexis Lorraine Berra; dear son of Victor and Mary Ann (nee Dalba) Berra; dear brother of Mary Jo (Will) Cone and Laurie (Steve) Lohbeck; son-in-law of Fred and Norma Hosselkus; dear brother-in-law, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Lou was a member of West County EMS and Fire Protection District and a member of the International Firefighters IAFF Local 2665.

Services:Visitation Sunday, January 20, 2008, 2-8 p.m. at KRIEGSHAUSER WEST Mortuary, 9450 Olive Blvd., Olivette, MO. Funeral Mass Mon., January 21, 10 a.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church, 12136 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Lou Berra Family Trust Fund, c /o St. Louis Bank, 14323 S. Outer Forty, Town and Country, MO 63017 or to Backstoppers, P.O. Box 66927, St. Louis, MO.

Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008. Beloved husband of the late Frances S. Sonnenschein (nee Stokman-Stein); dear father of Dennis and Thomas (Denise) Sonnenschein, Deborah (Gary) Naggi, Stephen, Michael (Robin) and the late Alexander Sonnenschein, Jr.; dear grandfather of Christine, Nikki, Kelly, Aaron, Donald, Kimberly, Amber, Joe, Andrew, Adam and Megan; dear great-grandfather of 13; dear brother of Alma and the late Gene, Julian and Eddie; loving friend of Dorothy Watson; our dear brother-in-law; uncle; great-uncle; cousin and friend.

Services: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois, Thursday, January 17, 9:30 a.m. to St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment J.B. National Cemetery.

Alex 'Sonny' was a retired captain from the Crestwood Fire Dept. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Backstoppers appreciated. Visitation Wednesday 1-9 p.m.

Passed away on December 30, 2007 at his home in Crestview, Florida.

Jerry had been a Captain with the Shrewsbury Fire Department for many years prior to his retirement. He moved to Florida about five years ago to be near his daughter. Jerry suffered from Alzheimers for many years.

Fufneral arrangements are incomplete. The funeral is expected to be Saturday, January 5, 2008 in Crestview, Florida. Condolences can be sent to his son Paul at pablo7221@gmail.com.

Baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, on Sunday, December 30, 2007. Beloved husband for 47 years of Marion Zebas (nee Ems); loving father of Ann (Greg) Happel of Arnold, Thomas (Debbie) of Valles Mines, Michael (Tina) of De Soto, Robert (Julie) of Barnhart and Arnold and Timothy (Becky) Zebas of Barnhart; dear grandfather of 14, Chad, Brandon, Alex, Kati, Emma, Audrey, Jessica, Ben, Ellie, Max, Derek, Drew, Jason and Brian; five great grandchildren, Austin, Allison, Grace, Meggen and Drew; dear brother of the late John Zebas.

Jim was a retired Firefighter of the Rock Community Fire Protection District, barber, home improvement man, board member and volunteer of the Arnold Food Pantry and was a long time member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Arnold. Jim was also a Veteran serving in the U.S. Army.

Services: Funeral from KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. (at Butler Hill) on Thurs. Jan. 3, 9:30 a.m. to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Arnold MO. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society or the Arnold Food Pantry. Visitation Wed. 2-9 p.m.

December, 25, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of 35 years, Margaret 'Marge' Acquisto (nee Lyons); His four children, Sam (Deb) Acquisto, Vicky (Dave) Schultz, Polly (Keven) Acquisto King and Tom (Pat) Acquisto. He is survived by his sister Grace (Paul) Cramin and brother Vincent (Joan) Acquisto. He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy Vincent; brother Joe Acquisto; sisters Theresa Varagona, Nellie Reichert and Mary Hinkle. He was a beloved brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend to many.

Tom worked for the St Louis City Police Department, Anheuser Busch, and retired from the St. Louis City Fire Department in 1974 after 20 years of service. He lived for many years on the Hill in St Louis and after retirement lived for 20 years in Arcadia, Missouri and has lived in Bradenton, Florida since 1992.

Services:A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3100 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida on January 9 at 1:00 p.m. His ashes will be interred in the St Joseph Memorial Garden. A memorial service will also be held at Epiphany Of Our Lord Catholic Church, 6596 Smiley Ave in St. Louis on January 5, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The family requests no flowers but donations may be sent to Tidewell Hospice at 2504 34th Ave West, Bradenton, Florida 34205 or Backstoppers, P.O. Box 66927, St. Louis, MO 63166.

Sunday, December 9, 2007, baptized into the hope of Christ's Resurrection. Beloved husband of Magdalene D. Potrzeboski (nee Jamboretz); dear father of Marc S. (Susan) Potrzeboski; dear grandfather of Michael and Katie Potrzeboski; dear brother of Lillian (the late Ray) McKeever, David (Janine) Potrzeboski and the late Edward and Michael (Patricia survives) Potrzeboski; dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Mr. Potrzeboski retired as a battalion chief from the City of St. Louis Fire Department and was a Marine Corp. veteran of World War II.

Services:Funeral Mass Wednesday, 10 a.m., at St. Stephen Protomartyr Church. Interment SS Peter and Paul Cemetery with full military honors. Masses preferred or donations to St. Stephen Protomartyr Church. NO VISITATION. A service of JOHN L. ZIEGENHEIN & SONS, 352-2600.

Baptized into the Hope of Christ's Resurrection on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007. Beloved husband of Ruth Ann Wingbermuehle (nee Kneff); loving father of Terry (Josephine) Wingbermuehle, Denise (Michael) McVey, Laurie Wingbermuehle and Peggy (Robert) Smith; cherished grandfather of 10; dearest brother of Adeline Cronin, Rosemary Morris, Virginia Gocke and Gene Wingbermuehle; our dear uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, brother-in-law, cousin, godfather and friend of many.

Mr. Wingbermuehle was Fire Chief for the Antonia Fire District fighting fires for more than 35 years, retiring in 2000.

Services: Funeral from KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road (at Butler Hill), on Wednesday, Dec. 5, 10a.m. to St. John Catholic Church (Imperial) for 11 a.m. Mass. Interment National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Masses preferred or donations to St. Pius X (Festus), Notre Dame or St. Mary's High School Scholarship funds appreciated. Visitation Tuesday, 3 to 9 p.m.