Paul H. “Mope” Kerkemeyer, 95, of Belleville, IL, born May 22, 1929, in Aviston, IL, died Monday, March 17, 2025, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.
Paul was a United States Navy veteran but spent most of his career at Monsanto Chemical Company before retiring as a lab supervisor after 35 years of service. Following retirement, he remained busy working in maintenance at the Town House Motel in Belleville.
He was an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast. He spent his free time on a lake, which was his favorite pastime, winning tournaments as a member of the local B.A.S.S. club. He rarely missed a St. Louis Cardinals game or Illinois basketball game. He enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and watching them grow.
Paul was a patient, generous, and understanding husband, dad, and grandpa. His legacy will be carried on at local ice cream shops by his kids and grandkids, who inherited his love of ice cream.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Margaret M., nee Imming, Kerkemeyer, whom he married on October 5, 1963, and who died on February 16, 2013; a son, John Anthony Kerkemeyer; his parents, Anton and Mary, nee Snyder, Kerkemeyer; a brother, Anthony (Wilma) Kerkemeyer; and many sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
He is survived by three daughters, Karen (David) Meehan of Waterloo, IL, Debbie (Chris) Monks of Chesterfield, MO, and Lynn (Tom) Wilkes of Ballwin, MO; eight grandchildren, Chloe (Trev Riekenberg) and Connor Meehan, Carter and Ethan Monks, Cameron (Abigail) and Ryan Wilkes, Jakob and Kayleigh Kerkemeyer; a sister-in-law, Ruth Blumenstein; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Cremation will follow the services.
