Roy Louis Kohrs

Roy L. Kohrs, of St. Charles, MO, entered into his eternal home with Jesus on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Beloved husband of 33 years to the late Nancy (Hedges) Kohrs; cherished son of the late Harry & Edna (Moentmann) Kohrs; devoted father of Julie (Robert) Dampier, Kelly (John) Timmerberg, Lorry (Mark) Kelly, Scott (Lori) Kohrs, and Gregory Kohrs; loving grandfather of Ashley Jones, Abby Katz, Amanda Venturini, Trevor Timmerberg, Blaire Kelly, Cooper Kelly, Elyse Kelly, Caroline Kelly, Erin Halka, Bailey Carpenter, Samuel Kohrs, Joseph Kohrs, Burton Kohrs & Forest Kohrs; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Ann (Norman) Pickering, and Jeannette (Bill) Leimkuehler, his brother-in-law Wes (Sally) Hedges, his granddaughter, Paige Kelly, and his niece Stacy (Hedges) Champagne.

Married to the love of his life, Nancy, for 33 years, Roy was well known, and well-loved in the St. Charles community for all of the years spent as a manager and part owner of the Hedges & Hafer grocery stores (from 1966 -1982), and the co-owner/operator of Mid-Towne IGA/Midtowne Market, from 1982 – 2015. He loved to greet customers in the store, direct them to what they needed, and make sure they tried IGA’s famous fried chicken. Roy was a big believer in giving back to the community and made sure the stores supported as many churches and local charities as possible. He was also a long-time member of the Rotary Club of St. Charles.

Prior to his time in the grocery business, Roy attended Valparaiso University, and then accepted a position with McDonnell Aircraft in the late 1950’s. Around 1960, he accepted a transfer to Cocoa Beach, Florida (Cape Canaveral) where he was a part of the Mercury and Apollo missions. He was immensely proud to have worked alongside the original Seven Astronauts (aka The Mercury 7.) In 1966, he was enticed by his father-in-law Ernie Hedges, and his brother-in-law, Wes Hedges to join the team at Hedges & Hafer. As Nancy explained it at the time… “he traded astronauts for applesauce!” Roy developed a great friendship with Ernie, and tried his best to follow in his footsteps, including their mutual affection for their beloved Cardinals! 

Roy was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles. Beginning in 1957, Roy and Nancy became charter members of Our Savior Lutheran (St. Charles) where they raised their 5 children in the Christian faith, while sending them to grade school at Immanuel.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Roy was deeply loved by his family and will be remembered for his sense of humor and his infectious laugh. He will likewise be remembered for the hundreds of St. Charles residents that he employed, and the thousands upon thousands he helped feed and serve.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church of St. Charles, MO.