SUZANNE MEIERHOFFER

1920-2013 Suzanne (Schiesl) Meierhoffer, 92, St. Joseph, Missouri, died Saturday, April 6, 2013 at her home She was born December 20, 1920 to Edwin John and Verdi Marie (Stout) Schiesl in St. Joseph, Missouri. Suzanne moved to South Chicago when her father was transferred with Swift and Company and attended St. Sabina and St. Theresa grade schools. Upon returning to St. Joseph, she attended high school at Convent of the Sacred Heart; graduating from Central High School, class of 1938, where she was Football Queen. She then attended St. Joseph Junior College where she was Basketball Queen and was a graduate of University of Missouri Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree. While attending University of Missouri Columbia she was a member of Delta Gamma Social Sorority and Barn Warming Queen. Suzanne was committed to a lifelong journey of learning; striving to cultivate her intellect and stimulate those around her. Her memberships were the Missouri Western State University Foundation Board; MWSU Ambassadors; Book Club; Runcie Club; Great Books; Junior Great Books; Calla Varner Foundation; Bible Study Group; Walter Meierhoffer Scholarship St. Joseph School District Foundation. She married Walter Meierhoffer, Jr. on June 1, 1943 in Pensacola, Florida where Walter was assigned to Pensacola Naval Air Station as an instructor pilot. She returned to St. Joseph and worked as a secretary to the commander of the 329th Sub Depot at Rosecrans Field while her husband flew during WWII in the China India Burma Theater. Suzanne joined her husband as the vice president of Meierhoffer-Fleeman Funeral Home until his death January 10, 1992. Suzanne was a commited member of St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church where she was a member of St. Anne's Altar Society, of which she was past president; Ladies of Charity; Parish Council; vice president Cathedral School PTA; taught CCD classes; and a Cub Scout Den Mother. Her many civic endeavors included St. Joseph (Sisters) Hospital Board of Trustees during the time a new hospital was constructed at Riverside and Faraon; Heartland Hospital Board of Trustees; Heartland Hospital Guild; Volunteer at St. Joseph Living Community; St. Joseph Symphony; Tuberculosis Society; Open Door Food Kitchen; InterServe; Red Cross Nurses Aid; Community Blood Center donor since 1946; Ladies Edelweiss Society; Sacred Heart Convent Tres Bien; St. Joseph Junior League; and her beloved Mah Jongg Group. She was an avid tennis player into her 80s and enjoyed world travel. She relished her grand and great-grandchildren. She was at her best when she sang 'Octopus Under the Sea' to them in a perfect acappella octopus voice. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bob Schiesl; sister, Mary Louise Minor; and nephew, Daniel Minor. Survivors: children, Michael Meierhoffer (Ronda), St. Joseph, Walter Mark Meierhoffer (Linda) and Lora Meierhoffer Christian both of Leawood, Kansas; grandchildren, Scott M. Meierhoffer (Sarah), Todd W. Meierhoffer (Michelle), Kelly M. Heath (Ryan), Craig M. Meierhoffer (Jennie), Molly L. Baumberger (Peter), Megan L. Wombolt (Jay) and Jacob D. and Kate E. Christian; great-grandchildren, Walter, III and Mack M. Meierhoffer, Caroline L. and Harrison M. Heath and Louise P. and John W. Wombolt; brother, Larry Schiesl (Janet), sister-in-law, Joy Schiesl; and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 A.M. Friday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. Prayer Service 5:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory where the family will receive friends 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday and friends may call after 4:00 P.M. Wednesday. Flowers are appreciated and for those wishing to make a contribution, the family requests they be made to St. Joseph Cathedral School; Missouri Western State University Foundation; or the Walter Meierhoffer Scholarship St. Joseph School District Foundation. A special thanks to Hands of Hope Hospice and all of her caregivers. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.