Richard Poertner

On August 27, 2025, Richard Poertner passed away peacefully at 81 years old. Known for his warmth, humor, and lightheartedness, Rich had a way of making people feel valued and at ease. He was a light in the lives of everyone he met—someone whose memory will live on in the stories we tell, the love we share, and the laughter he inspired. His presence brought comfort and joy, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Rich was the son of the late Merrel and Edith Poertner, whose love, values, and work ethic shaped the kind, loyal and hard-working man he became. Their influence stayed with him throughout his life, reflected in the way he treated others—with patience, humor, and thoughtful presence.

Rich met the love of his life, Susan Poertner (nee Cunningham), and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and legacy. Their daughters, Elise (Mike) Hade and Melissa (Drew) Karl, were the center of his world, and he poured his heart into raising them with the same kindness and strength that defined him.

Rich’s grandchildren—Jackie (Travis) Porter, Brian Hade, Colleen (Billy) Cummiskey, Courtney (Sean) Buchholz, and Jenna Karl—and great-grandchildren—Riley Cummiskey and Brayden Porter—were his pride and joy. Each grandchild had a special bond with Rich, and each will tell you they were his favorite. He had a gift for making everyone feel like they mattered most.

He will be forever remembered by his sister Judy Langston, along with his nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his two late brothers-in-law, James H. Cunningham and John W. (Bill) Langston.

Rich lived and worked in the city of Bridgeton, Missouri, for the majority of his working life. He delivered the St. Louis Post-Dispatch to many Bridgeton Residents for almost 40 years.

He enjoyed carpentry projects and landscaping as hobbies in his younger years. He felt his greatest accomplishment was a 30-foot deck that he built on the back of his home with an attached gazebo. Rich also enjoyed traveling, especially with his family.

Rich had a way of making ordinary moments memorable. Whether it was a family gathering, a day on the lake, or one of his many funny antics, he was always the life of the party. He was the guy who would crack a joke just when you needed it, who would show up to every important event with loving support and a warmth that made everyone feel at home. He had an unwavering devotion to his family and friends.

A visitation will be held on September 12 at Baue Funeral Home Cave Springs (3950 W. Clay St., St. Charles, MO 63301). Friends and family are invited to gather from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by a memorial service immediately after. A Celebration of Life will be held at Timber Creek Grill (1120 Technology Dr. #108, O’Fallon, MO 63368) at 1:30pm. It will be a day to share stories, laughter, and the connection he created among us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Rich’s honor be made to CurePSP (psp.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).