Leon Berhorst

Leon "Wood" James Berhorst, 62, Westphalia, passed away Friday, January 9, 2026, at StoneBridge Senior Living – Westphalia, with his wife and children at his side.
He was born April 7, 1963, in Westphalia, Missouri, to the late Clarence and Dorothy (Strope) Berhorst. He was a 1981 graduate of Fatima High School. He was united in marriage on May 11, 1991, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, Missouri, to Carol Lee Jacobs.
Leon worked at the Westphalia Mill, had a 32-year career at RR Donnelley (formerly Von Hoffmann), Quaker Windows, and retired from Morris packaging in the spring of 2024.
Leon was driven by a strong work ethic and a desire to serve. Above all else, he was guided by his faith and his love of family. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church – Westphalia, a proud Knights of Columbus member holding a 3rd and 4th degree membership, and an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Tigers fan.
He is survived by his wife, Carol, and children, Aubry (Matt) Rehagen of Westphalia, Dylan (Abby) Berhorst of Westphalia, and Shayne (Jayda) Berhorst of Taos; six grandchildren, Casen, Raelee and Bryce Rehagen, Chloe and Raegan Berhorst, and Edsyn and baby girl (due in February) Berhorst; six brothers, Bill (Loretta) Berhorst, Mike (Donna) Berhorst, Paul (Tonya) Berhorst, Gary (Gina) Berhorst, Ron (Lonnie) Berhorst, and Scott (Paula) Berhorst all of Westphalia; six sisters, Joyce (Steve) Boehm of Rich Fountain, Agnes (Bill) Boehm of Rich Fountain, Karen (Allen) Kempker of Taos, Sue (Jeff) Rackers of Wardsville, Judy (Travis) Roling of Wardsville, and Lori (Mark) Schenewerk of Westphalia; sisters-in-law Diane Mormann and Kathy (Randy) Heimericks of Honey Creek, brother-in-law Rick Jacobs of Louisiana, and "Grandma" Pat Engelbrecht of Honey Creek.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his parents-in-law Fred and Betty Jacobs, brothers Joseph Berhorst and Patrick Berhorst, sister Amy Luetkemeyer, sister-in-law Susan Holzbierlein, and brothers-in-law Randy Jacobs and Roger Mormann.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Westphalia with Reverend Monsignor Robert A. Kurwicki, V.G. and Reverend Dylan Schrader officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Westphalia.
Memorial contributions are suggested to fund the soundproofing of the Knights of Columbus lean-to.
Arrangements are under the direction of HILKE-MILLARD Funeral Home, 101 Linn Street; Westphalia, MO 65085. (573) 455-2424. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com