John Keith Vernier

John Vernier, a 62 year old Registered Nurse at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis died of COVID-19 on January 12, 2021.

John was retired from the US Navy where he served for 21 years on submarines and served during Operation Desert Storm. After retiring from the military, John went back to school for his RN degree, and took a few classes with his daughter Christine who was also in nursing school. John had a true helper’s heart and was always there at any time for his family, friends, and coworkers.He had three daughters with his wife of 37 years, and LOVED being a grandpa. John was looking forward to retiring from his second career and enjoying more family time.

John Vernier is missed deeply by his wife, his father and step-mother, his three daughters, grandkids, coworkers at Mercy South Hospital, and everyone whose lives he ever helped make brighter.

Sources:

John Vernier obituary at Kutis Funeral Homes 

Glenn R. Manetzke

Glenn Manetzke of Labadie MO died from complications of COVID-19 at the age of 56 on January 1, 2021.

Glenn worked at Robometrics in Eureka for 25 years and raised two kids. At times in his life he worked as a volunteer firefighter, newspaper delivery driver, and landscaping business owner. He was a self proclaimed grill master who loved listening to St. Louis Cardinals and Blues games on the radio, bargain hunting, drinking beer with friends, telling corny jokes, and spending time with his 9 grandkids. Glenn was always there to help any friend in need or lend a few bucks to help through hard times.

Glenn Manetzke is missed deeply by his mother, two kids, sister and brothers, extended family and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

Sources:

Glenn Manetzke obituary at Schrader Funeral Homes 

Daniel Edward Schroeder

Daniel Edward Schroeder of Ballwin MO died of COVID-19 on December 10, 2020 at the age of 61.

Dan found true joy and happiness in being the most amazing father to his three girls and husband to his wife of 37 years. He worked tirelessly to provide for them, and was looking forward to retiring from Davis Tool and Die in 2021 to spend even more time with his beloved family (including his first newborn grandson). Dan enjoyed fishing, watching ball games, playing almost any game, bowling, backyard gardening, and the outdoors in general. He was always there to lend a hand, listen, and quietly make things better behind the scenes in his quiet solid way. He never missed even the smallest milestone or event with his daughters, no matter how insignificant. As his obituary put it, “Dan Schroeder was not a man of many words, but he was a man full of love.”

Dan Schroeder is missed deeply by his wife, three daughters, father, newborn grandson, extended family and circle of friends who were fortunate to know him.

Sources:

Daniel Edward Schroeder obituary at St. Louis Cremation 

Mark Wilhold

Mark Wilhold of Fairmont City, IL died of COVID-19 in a hospital on December 3, 2020 at the age of 59.

Mark worked for Kiesel fuel, & Consolidated Ice & Fuel most of his life. He had a son and a daughter with his ex-wife, and a grandson who he loved very much. Mark was close with his family and circle of good friends, and would do anything for a friend.

Mark Wilhold is missed deeply by his adult children, grandson, parents, brother, sister, extended family and friends.

Sources:

Mark Wilhold Obituary on Legacy 

Victor Allan Cohen

Victor A. Cohen St. Louis

Victor Cohen passed away from COVID-19 at his home on Monday November 23, 2020 at the age of 64 with his daughter at his side. He had been battling lymphoma since late 2018, went into hospice care, and shortly after lost his life to coronavirus.

Victor loved hockey and real estate, and brought people together over both. Almost 30 years ago he started The Saturday Hockey League and eventually played year round, every Saturday morning. A skilled player and team leader, he had a way of making everyone feel included and liked. As a highly respected real estate agent, most recently leading the Premier Team with Red Key Realty, Victor was in his element helping countless people find their perfect homes.

Victor Cohen is missed deeply by his daughter (his beloved wife died in 2011), his huge circle of friends, Saturday Hockey League teammates, the St. Louis real estate community, and everyone whose lives he touched and brightened even the tiniest bit.

Sources:

Victor A. Cohen obituary on Legacy.com 

Michelle McCausland (Michael Shreves)

Michelle McCausland (Michael Shreves) died of COVID-19 on November 28, 2020 at the age of 61.

Performing was her life’s true passion, and Michelle was truly a St. Louis entertainment and LGBTQ+ institution. She never made it to Broadway like the fantasies of her youth, instead she created magic and shined bright in St. Louis. Michelle supported friends and strangers alike in their struggles, a trusted and respected pillar of empathy and strength. She loved her fans and community and they loved her back.

In 1986 Michelle successfully sued (via the ACLU) and overturned the St. Louis City’s 150 year old masquerade law (prohibiting drag and crossdressing), which got declared unconstitutional. Her “offense” had been getting arrested at a Washington Avenue bar for cross dressing in 1982. 30 years later in 2012, and after years of being runner-up, Michelle finally achieved her dream of earning the title “Miss Gay Missouri” for her version of the Broadway hit “Anything Goes” (complete with backup dancers and professional choreography).

Michelle McCausland/Michael Shreves is missed by her mother, relatives, huge family of friends, the St. Louis’s LGBTQ+ community, and by all her thousands of fans and supporters.

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As word got at the end of the Thanksgiving 2020 weekend, tributes more eloquent than this writing were posted to news outlets and social media.

Daniel Kampwerth

Daniel L. Kampwerth of Highland IL died of COVID-19 on October 12, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon IL. Has 63 years old and had just retired in 2019 after working 44 years on the factory floor at Westrock (formerly Alton Box Board Company).

He raised his kids and grandkids with the love of his life, Tami, who he was married to for 41 years and with for 46 years. Dan coached his three daughters’ ball games and played basketball with the Weinheimer Holy Dribblers Society Sunday morning basketball league. His favorite sport to play was golf, and he taught his daughters how to play, too. One of the best parts about retiring was getting to travel, play golf, and spend more time with his family. Dan was an active grandpa, and was looking forward to meeting his 4th granddaughter (due at the end of October).

His widowed wife wrote on Facebook:

“…When we retired on July 1, 2019, our intention was to focus on doing the things that make us happy. Dan played golf with a crew of friends 3-5 days a week when the weather allowed. We played lots of couples scrambles too. We traveled 7 weeks of the first 8 months we were retired. Life was good. And then the pandemic began. We watched safely from our home while the disease spread and politicians wished and promised and tried to lie it out of existence. And here we are. My 63 year old husband contracts this and dies within two weeks alone in a hospital. If someone could please end the hoax and bring him back to me…I’ll give you everything I have. He deserved so much better than this. Please let our story inspire you to take precautions. The loneliness and isolation of this virus is horrible for the patient and bad for the quarantined caretaker left behind at home. My heart is broken, my life is upended, and our family is forever changed.”

Dan Kampwerth is missed deeply by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, extended family, and his many friends. “Dan would want his friends to please stay safe, wear a mask, and to raise a glass and think of him.”

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Beverly Hobaugh

Beverly G. Hobaugh of Farmington died of COVID-19 on September 20, 2020 at the age of 59.

10 days before her death from COVID-19, she recorded a warning message and posted it to Facebook:

A few days later she was airlifted to Barnes Jewish Hospital and placed on a ventilator.

According to KMOV:

Hobaugh’s twin sister, Sheila West, said the 59-year-old with diabetes and asthma took every precaution to avoid getting COVID-19. “When she would go shopping or something she would come home and take a shower and of course, she had tons of hand sanitizer,” West said. “She wore her mask and was just very careful.”

In late August, Hobaugh developed a mild cough and was diagnosed with COVID-19. But when her symptoms and breathing worsened, she was admitted to Parkland Health Center in Farmington.

Beverly was a member of the Farmington Church of the Nazarene. She also volunteered at The Life Center and was an empathetic, tireless caregiver in her to her family. Her compassion and generosity touched inspired her friends and acquaintances.

Beverly is missed deeply by her family, especially her twin sister, her extended family, friends, church family, and everyone else whose lives she touched.

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Terry “Mr. Fingers” Bradford

Terry “Mr. Fingers” Bradford passed of COVID-19 on September 8, 2020. He was 57 years old.

Terry was a talented keyboard and organ player. For many years he served as the director for the Mass Choir and Music Department at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He had three kids of his own and was a father figure and role model to countless more. Terry kept his faith until the end.

Terry Bradford is missed deeply by his mother, kids, family, extended family, church family, friends, and fans.

Terry Bradford’s August 12 video from the hospital. He was fighting for his life with COVID-19.
Terry’s August 27 communication about having COVID-19 from the hospital
August 29 – he was going to be put on a ventilator and not getting better.
Terry’s son Michael posted that he passed early in the morning of September 8.
Terry Bradford’s homecoming service

Sources:

Terry Bradford’s videos in no particular order:

One of Terry’s last videos, over ZOOM.
Terry Bradford’s virtual performance on July 25, 2020 a few weeks before falling ill with COVID-19
Terry Bradford used the COVID-19 restrictions and slow-down to create this video honoring his family on May 6, 2020. He was being super careful and still caught COVID-19.

Matthew Leake

Matthew Leake St. Louis COVID-19 death

Matthew Joseph Leake died from COVID-19 on August 24, 2020 at the age of 60. He was trying to beat cancer, but caught coronavirus and died alone in the hospital.

Matt was known by his friends as a giant teddybear because of his gentle, kind, big presence. He played Santa every year for 30 years and brought joy to countless children. One of his biggest loves in life was singing, and he was a previous member of the St. Louis Cathedral Archdiocesan Choir when they performed at the Vatican. Matt was a Fourth Degree Knight in the St. Ann Council of The Knights of Columbus and a devout Catholic. He’s remembered as being warmhearted, generous, a great friend, and someone you wish were your brother or son or uncle.

Matthew Leake is missed by his sisters, brothers, extended family, church family, and large circle of friends.

Sources:


Matthew Leake obituary at St. Louis Cremation
 

Margaret Mary Hellrich

margaret mary hellrich covid-19 death

Margaret Mary Hellrich (nicknamed Meaux) died from complications of COVID-19 and “general health issues” on August 28, 2020 at Stearns Nursing Home in Granite City, IL. She was 58 years old and also suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s.

Although born with Down’s Syndrome, Margaret’s family loved and fully supported her so she was able to live a fulfilling life, traveling overseas to Europe and Australia and all around the country. She was very involved with the Catholic Church throughout her entire life, advanced through Special Education, and found employment and even more friends at the Sheltered Workshop. Margaret loved music, dancing, animals, camping trips, and leopard print clothes. Her special friend of 30+ years was Pete, who would take two different busses to visit her as much as possible until the nursing home locked down for COVID.

Margaret Mary Hellrich is deeply missed by her lifelong friend Pete, her sisters and brothers, friends from the sheltered workshop, church family, and all the friends she made at Stearns Nursing Home and in her life. She always had a warm smile and was a loving spirit who brought out the best in everyone.

Sources:

Margaret Mary Hellrich obituary at Irwin Chapel 

Audrey “Yasmine” Ruiz-Smith

Audrey “Yasmine” Ruiz-Smith died of Covid-19 on April 7, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She was 56.

Audrey was a member of the St. Louis Japanese Society and the Dances of Universal Peace.  She was a creative, vibrant, woman who was passionate about social justice causes and improving the lives of everyone. Audrey made a lot of friends in life and touched countless more through her art and activism.

Audrey “Yasmine” Ruiz-Smith is missed deeply by her daughters Taylor and Sally, by her shih-tzu, and by her large circle of friends and fans.

Audrey fell ill with COVID-19 in late March and was quickly placed on a ventilator. She got the best care possible at BJC.
From Facebook – Audrey “Yasmine” Ruiz-Smith died of COVID-19

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Reginald Gladney

Reginald Gladney St. Louis COVID-19 death

Reginald Gladney died July 30, 2020 of COVID-19. He was 56 years old. Reginald served in the United States Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force for 21 years and retired a decorated veteran. After military retirement, he went onto a second career, working for in civil process as a St. Louis County Sheriff’s Deputy for 11 years and security for 17+ years with the St. Louis Blues Association.

More than his impressive career, Reginald was a mentor, friend, and father. He loved life, his family, and truly saw the beauty in other people. He took his joy from helping make life a little better for those blessed to know or even casually encounter him.

As his obituary so eloquently put it: “If you’ve ever been to a STL Blues game there is a very good chance you met our father Reggie. To our father, meeting people and being a joy bringer was something to look forward to. People are a valuable treasure and he treasured his Tribe.  Reggie, modeled himself to his favorite superheros Superman and Batman. He believed in goodness. He believed that every person is superhuman and had the ability to do good or harm. He believed in conscious choices, deliberate intentions, and grace. Our father believed in people and chose to live a life of service. If you haven’t guessed, our fathers love language was Acts of Service and he spoke it loudly. He practiced goodness, consciously, daily. His goodness was infectious. His smile was bigger than his face could contain. He had an expansive chest with massive pythons for arms. He could give a hug that enveloped your entire being. His deep belly laughter was the soundtrack to many special moments, as were his frequent threats of bodily harm, playful teasing, and random dancing. To our father you were his brother, sister, daughter, son, child, or sunshine. The greeting was a reminder, you were his family…

…He was humble, gentle, and kind.  Our father was a cultivator of joy. Everyone blessed with an encounter with Reggie, all became happier, healthier, better versions of ourselves because of his joy.”

If the point of life is to touch as many lives as possible, making them better, and bringing joy to your corner of the world, Reginald Gladney accomplished this.

Reginald Gladney is missed deeply by his three children, close-knit family, and the entire St. Louis region where he inspired and moved too many people to count.

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Richard Alan Camden

Richard Camden

Richard Camden of Wildwood MO died of complications from COVID-19 on May 12. He was 60 years old and married for almost 31 years. Rick was looking forward to taking his son to Sea Base to scuba dive this summer, if the coronavirus pandemic had passed. Next year, they planned to go to Philmont.

An avid outdoors man and active leading his son’s Boy Scout troop, Richard kept very active when he wasn’t work at Zisser Tire. He didn’t let leg and back pain issues keep him down!

Richard Camden is deeply missed by his wife and son. He’s left a hole in the local Boy Scouts community, at his job where he worked for over 20 years, and an irreplaceable absence in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

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Juanita Eason Graham, former Webster Groves preschool teacher

Juanita Eason Graham

Juanita Eason Graham died of COVID-19 on March 28. She was 55 years old.

Juanita had previously worked for almost 20 years at Walter Ambrose Family Center in Webster Groves (but hadn’t worked there since 2018) and had a genuine love for young children that was expressed in her calm cheerful demeanor. She was, simply put, amazing at her vocation.

Juniata’s doctor had originally thought her cough was a symptom of seasonal allergies at a regular visit on March 16 and sent her home with a prescription for Zyrtec. Caring for her husband who had been diagnosed with pneumonia after the couple took a trip, Juniata’s health continued to worsen. She went into the hospital on March 25, tested positive for COVID-19 and within three days had passed away. The day she was admitted to the hospital, the friend from out of town who Juniata and her husband had visited called to tell them that a woman Juniata had sat next to had tested positive for COVID-19.

Juniata Graham is missed deeply by her husband of 18 years, her mother, her family, everyone that she worked with, and the former preschoolers who she introduced to school for the first time.

Juniata’s husband wishes people to take social distancing and all the precautions seriously, because COVID-19 is not a joke.

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Reverend Carl S. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church and 1st vice president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition

Rev. Carl Stanley Smith

Reverend Carl S. Smith, pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church and 1st vice president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition passed away on April 9 of COVID-19. He was 64 years old. He and the love of his life Geraldine would have celebrated 37 years of marriage on June 11.

Rev. Carl Smith preached his last sermon March 22 and shortly afterwards he and Geraldine started coughing. Because of a shortage of beds, they went to different hospitals. Geraldine recovered from COVID-19. As she wrote on a public Facebook post:

Never in a million years would I have thought that I would not be without my best friend, my husband, the love of my life, and the father of my children. I was not able to hold him and say I love you and till we meet again. It’s so hard, but everyday I feel him near. He’s in my heart, in my children, and his friends.
To all, thank you for the cards, parades of love and gifts, tears, and prayers. If there is anything the Smith family can do for you as he would have, we are here for you. Always and forever we share the memories of Rev. Carl S. Smith, Sr. He is at Peace.

Carl is deeply missed by his wife, children, his extensive family, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him in any way. He made a hugely positive impact in St. Louis and touched countless lives.

For a heartwretching tribute to Reverend Carl S. Smith, read the St. Louis Public Radio article in the sources below.

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