Leo C. Echele

Leo Chester Echele of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021, at the age of 91. Beloved husband of the late Jeanette M. Echele; cherished son of the late John Echele and Ana Poeling. Devoted father of Robert Echele, Elaine (Bob) Kneemiller, Allen Echele, and the late Diane Echele; loving grandfather of Sister Mary Joseph (Catie), Christopher, Ted, John, Mark, and Joey; dear brother of Olga Echele, the late Bernadine Roderfeld, the late Dorothy Echele, the late Ruth Westhues, the late Gladys Diermann/Cordell, the late Clemence Echele, and the late Infant Elmer Echele. Leo is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Leo proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was involved in St Cletus parish, which he was a member since the parish was established in 1965. He served as an usher for many years. Leo was also a member Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 319, was Committee chairman Boy Scouts Troop 969, and served as the chief of the volunteer fire department in Portage des Sioux.

Leo was a successful businessman. He operated Diermann, Echele & Hayden Drywall, later L.E. drywall, for 34 years. Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing, NRA, Ducks Unlimited, building bird houses, exploding banks, and his whirly birds.

He was involved in his children's activities like scouts, baseball/softball, bowling - to name just a few. He loved "shooting the breeze" and reminiscing with family and friends. He was a "regular" at Donut King and Bob Evans. He was eager to help someone in need.  He made sure the widowed ladies on his street had their grass mowed and trimmed and that snow was shoveled in the winter. Most of all, Leo loved spending time with his family. Leo was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Memorials may be made in Leo's name to St. Cletus Catholic Church Cardinal Glennon and Children’s Hospital.

Baue Funeral Homes is currently following CDC recommendations regarding mask and social distancing policies.