passed away at the age of 94 in O'Fallon, Missouri, on November 10, 2022. He was born on December 22, 1927 in St. Charles, Missouri. Harry married the love of his life, Patricia (Moran) Wappelhorst, on May 14, 1955, in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrating 61 years of marriage prior to her death.

Harry frequently reminisced fondly about his childhood in Biehle, MO, later moving to Perryville, then St. Louis. Upon graduation from South Side Catholic High, Harry joined the US Army. After WWII, Harry received his degree from St. Louis University. His career with Crown Zellerbach Corporation took him from St. Louis to Chicago to Houston. After retirement, Harry moved to Innsbrook, Missouri, which quickly became his favorite place on earth. Harry was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Parish, heading the parish ACA campaign for many years. Harry was happiest when he was busy, and especially enjoyed handball and golf well into his 80's. He counted his 'poker group' among his dearest friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, his parents Francis and Eugenia (Wempe) Wappelhorst, his brother, James Wappelhorst, and his sister, Eugenia (Gene) Wappelhorst.

Harry is survived by his daughter Mary (Don) Gasch; two grandchildren, Jessie (John) Steffan and Jim Gasch; three great-grandsons, John, Finnegan, and Solomon; one sister Teresa (Tess) Auer; and many other relatives and friends.

At Mr. Wappelhorst's request, his body was donated to the St. Louis University Medical School, for the advancement of science.

Services: A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will be served following Mass at the Parish center.

Memorial donations can be given to the St. Vincent De Paul Society c/o Martin Funeral Home 510 East Main Street, Warrenton, Missouri 63383 . Online condolences can be made at www.martinfuneral.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Dec. 4, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Wappelhorst

7 Entries

George Fallon

February 1, 2023

Just learned of Harry's passing. My condolences to his family. I worked with Harry at Crown Zellerbach and it's later companies. Harry was great, a woderful team mate. He was a fan of my kids who called him Harry waffle house! I will miss him...

Harry and Jim visiting for Thanksgiving 2021.

Mallory Stevens

December 13, 2022

I feel lucky to have met Harry and it was very special to see Jim light up in a conversation with his grandpa. My thoughts are with you all as you share stories and memories of Harry’s incredible life.

Southside Catholic / St. Mary's - High School

December 6, 2022

We have just learned of Harry´s passing and are saddened by it and sorry we hadn´t known sooner. Nevertheless . . .

Harry is a Southside Catholic High School Alumnus {since 1947 known as St. Mary´s High School} On behalf of St. Mary´s faculty, staff, and students, both past and present, we extend our most heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.

Also know that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss. Special mention and offerings of condolences to Harry´s classmates and to those students, who at one time or another, were either upper classmates or under classmates of his, and who may have known him personally or "of him" as someone they passed in the hallways, shared a table with at lunchtime or maybe even participated in some of the same extra-curricular activities as Harry did from the time he enrolled as a Freshman in September of 1941 until the time he graduated as a Senior in June of 1945.

Although Harry is gone from this life, his spirit has been and always will be here on the Campus of St. Mary´s. and just as it was in life ever since the day he enrolled and became a "Son of Mary", daily prayers will continue to be said and daily masses will continue to be offered for him by the Brothers of Mary.

Danny Slay
Class of `67
Executive Member - Board of Directors
St. Mary's High School Alumni Association

Carol Tuley

December 4, 2022

Condolences to your family. I had occasion to visit with Harry a few times over the years. He and Pat came to a sing-along at a St. Peters Senior Center, and I enjoyed hearing his beautiful voice! My mother was his cousin Geraldine Cordes Lammert (her mother was Irene Wempe Cordes). He was a lovely man, and I know he will be missed by all.

Rober Vogler

December 3, 2022

Harry was a fun golfer to be with. I enjoyed my time with Harry. I’m sorry to hear of his passing

Dave and Judy ( Pecar ) Crockett

December 1, 2022

Sending warm thoughts your way. Our grandparents were Edward and Julia Wempe. Rose Wempe Pecar our mom. She kept in touch with Harry until her death in July 2021. He meant a great deal to her. Bless you all.

Cheri Joyce

December 1, 2022

Harry was one of my favorite people - ever! Always ready with a hug and a smile. And always about the greater good, even after he has passed. Harry, I miss you!

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