Merlin E. Larose

MERLIN “MERLE” E. LAROSE, 87, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 2:52 pm, Monday, September 7, 2020 at Southeast Hospital, Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

He was born to the late Jesse R. and Rose Mary (nee Blechle) LaRose on December 12, 1932 in Biehle, Missouri.

Merle married Wilma Kuehne on August 27, 1955 in Chester, Illinois; she survives.

He worked many years in Pipeline Construction Management across the United States, Canada and Alaska. He helped build the Alaskan Pipeline. He also worked and retired from Chester Mental Health Center.

Merle was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois. He was also a member of the Eagles Club Aerie #3252 for over 48 years, serving as secretary and treasurer for 26 years and Perryville American Legion Post #133 for over 54 years. He enjoyed socializing and taking care of his yard.

He was a Korean War Army Veteran.

Survivors:

Wife:

Wilma LaRose Chester, IL

1 Son:

Mark (Lisa) LaRose Chester, IL

2 Daughters:

Tina (Mark) Wolff Gatlinburg, TN

Kim (Ed) Holsapple Chester, IL

1 Brother:

John (Regina) LaRose Perryville, MO

1 Sister:

Mary Ann Wucker Perryville, MO

8 Grandchildren:

Danielle (Jason) Holland, Jason Wolff, Dawn LaRose, Ronda LaRose, Kelsee (Lucas) Gibbs, Mandy (Tim) Jones, Heather (Lynn) Holsapple and Tasha (Mike) Fitch

9 Great Grandchildren

4 Great-Great Grandchildren

Preceded in Death by : Parents, 1 Daughter – Ronda LaRose and 2 Brothers – Robert and Donald LaRose

It was Merle’s wish to be cremated.

Memorial Service :

11:00 am, Friday, September 11, 2020

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

Father Iuvenis Iheme

Visitation:

Friday – 9:00 – 11:00 am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

A private inurnment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

We are limited to 25 people in our building at a time. We ask that everyone wears a mask and please use social distancing guidelines.

Memorials :

St. Mary’s Catholic School