Donnie Leimkuehler

Mr. Donnell William "Donnie" Leimkuehler, age 77, of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away March 8, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on January 21, 1946, in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of William Fritz and Lillian Jean (Edler) Leimkuehler. On July 8, 1967, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Caron Kay Mulholland at the St. James United Church of Christ in Morrison, Mo. Caron survives in the home.
A lifelong resident of Missouri, he graduated from Osage County R-1 in 1964 and furthered his education with Linn Technical College, graduating in 1966 with a degree in mechanics.
Donnie enlisted into the United States Army on October 3, 1966, and was honorably discharged on August 15, 1972. He continued his military career and proudly served in the Missouri Army National Guard, later retiring after 30 years of service as Chief Warrant Officer 4.
He was a member of Tebbetts Odd Fellow Lodge, NRA, and attended the Tebbetts United Methodist Church.
Photography was a favorite pastime of Donnie's. He has captured countless beautiful sunrises and sunsets at his home. With his background and interest in mechanics, he was known to take machinery and other items apart, learn how they worked and then put them back together better than new. He acquired quite the collection of old agriculture and excavation equipment over the years as well.
Donnie loved being in nature and hunted all types of game, both big and small. His competitive nature was clearly displayed during card games, especially pinochle. He cherished his annual class reunions with his classmates and eagerly anticipated the event. His grandchildren will fondly carry memories of grandma and grandpa's house including tractor and four wheeler rides, playing with the dogs, and grandpa joining them to play with their toy farm equipment. Above all, Donnie was incredibly proud of his children and their accomplishments, always telling stories about them to anyone who would listen.
He will be remembered as a boisterous, approachable and talkative man with a bit of a perfectionist streak, but to his family he was simply their loving husband, father and grandpa. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his loving wife of the home, Caron; two children, Cheri Walz (Ted) of Lake Ozark, Mo., and Scott Leimkuehler (Jodi) of Swisher, Ia; four grandchildren, Trenton Lowry (Lo) of Lake Ozark, Mo., Ryan Lowry (Katie) of Ashland, Mo., Garrett Leimkuehler and Emersyn Leimkuehler both of Swisher, Ia.; stepbrother, Kenneth Johnson (Betty Ann) of Chesterfield, Mo.; stepsister, Beverly Thiele (Edward) of Ellisville, Mo.; his beloved dog, Smoky; and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary. An additional visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 17, 2023 at Tebbetts United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 17, 2023, at Tebbetts United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kay Hord officiating.
The committal service will be held at 3:00 p.m., in Evangelical Good Hope Cemetery in Morrison, Mo., with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Central Missouri Honor Flight or Tebbetts United Methodist Church.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.