Leonard Henry Schanzmeyer, age 97, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at his home surrounded by the arms of his family. He was born on September 15, 1919, in Meta, son of the late August and Rosa (Huchtmeyer) Schanzmeyer.

He was united in marriage on August 30, 1947 to Marie (Toots) Elizabeth Heckemeyer at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, and preceded him in death on August 29, 2016.

Leonard attended Schanzmeyer School which was located on the family farm and then attended Meta High School. During World War II, he worked for McDonnell Douglas making C-46 Bombers for several years. He decided to move back home and later married the love of his life, Toots Heckemeyer. In 1949, they purchased the Schanzmeyer Family Farm along the Big Tavern Creek and continued operating the family farm with his loving wife of 69 years.

Leonard was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, St. Elizabeth, a member of the St. Lawrence Holy Name Society, Charter Member and Third Degree Member of St. Elizabeth Knights of Columbus Council #6640, and a member of the Catholic Knights of America for 75 years. He was also a lifetime member of the National Farmers Organization (NFO) and member of Osage River Flood Control Organization. Leonard and Marie were awarded the 1972 Missouri Farm Family of the Year Award and was noted as a Missouri Century Farm (est. 1883) with six generations.

Through the years, Leonard had a tremendous love of the land, livestock and farming. He was a large beef cattle feeder producer along with raising a large herd of cows and calves. Leonard spent many long hours working in the fields, planting and harvesting crops. Spending time outdoors with his children and grandchildren making chores enjoyable by ending up swimming in the Tavern Creek or sleigh riding on the farm. Playing cards, especially pitch and pinochle with family and friends was a favorite past time. He supported his children and grandchildren in all their sporting activities and always encouraging them to be positive. Building character, enriching faith and spirituality and strong moral values were all very important as he demonstrated being an excellent role model for his family.

Leonard is survived by one son, Joseph L.(Shannon) Schanzmeyer of St. Elizabeth; Seven daughters, Carolyn (Charles) Halderman, Betty (Don) Kever, Doris (Jack) Fisher, all of Wardsville, Diane (Rich) Juergensmeyer, Janet (Paul) Beck, Kathleen (Steve) Schwartze, Mary Lou (Greg) Rehagen, all of St. Elizabeth; 23 Grandchildren, Drs. Chuck (Kelly) Halderman, Chris Halderman, Chad Halderman, Corey Halderman, Marcia (Scott) Niekamp, Leslie (Brad) Hefferon, Andrea Fisher (Chris Scott), Aaron (Andrea) Fisher, Jessica (Dougg) Stultz, Brandon (Ashley) Juergensmeyer, Dr. Phil Beck, Connor Beck, Jenna (Chris) Korsmeyer, Jamie Schwartze, Kenney Schwartze, Shelby Schanzmeyer, Logan Schanzmeyer, Canon Schanzmeyer, Kacey Rehagen, Austin Rehagen, Courtney Hoecker, Cali Boessen, Sawyer Boessen; and 19 great-grandchildren, three sisters-in-law, Delphine Schanzmeyer, Dorothy Heckemeyer, and Lorene Heckemeyer; and many nieces and nephews.

Leonard was preceded in death by his wife Marie (Toots), his parents and two children, Kenneth and Patricia, two sisters, Catherine (Joe) Oligschlaeger, Laurentia (Bruno) Verhoff, two brothers, August F. (Clara) Schanzmeyer Jr. and Francis J. Schanzmeyer.

Visitation will be 9:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon), with Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 12:00 pm, on Monday, May 22, 2017 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Interment will be in the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery. Fr. Joby Thomas will officiate assisted by Deacon Steve Schwartze.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Lawrence Church or SSM Health at-Home Hospice.