Leroy C. Stegeman, age 75, of Meta, died Thursday, January 1, 2009, at his home. He was born on March 25, 1933, in Elston, son of Herbert and Caroline (Moeller) Stegeman. On July 12, 1958, in Rich Fountain, he married Betty Grellner, who survives at the home.

Leroy was a farmer on the family farm and served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He was also a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth.

Other survivors include two sons, Don Stegeman and wife Karen of California and Ray Stegeman and wife Jeane of Vienna; five daughters, Janie Bauer and husband Steve of Freeburg, Debbie Caminiti and husband Terry of Westphalia, Linda Light and husband Bill of Freeburg, Brenda Spell and husband Alan of Columbia, and Vicki Muenks and husband Cory of Frankenstein; 24 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; four brothers, Paul Stegeman of Jefferson City, Ed Stegeman and wife Pauline of Jefferson City, Marvin Stegeman and wife Becky of St. Martins, and Bob Stegeman and wife Jeanie of Jefferson City; and four sisters, Irene Adrian of Jefferson City, Florence Toebben of Vienna, Mary Lou Taggert and husband Fred of Jefferson City, and Ann Berendzen and husband Jim of Jefferson City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Bill Stegeman; one brother, Elmer Stegeman; and one sister, Catherine Welch.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, January 5, 2009, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Rev. Clarence Wiederholt and Rev. Sylvester Bauer will officiate. Interment with military honors under the direction of the National Guard and the Iberia VFW Post 6167 and American Legion Post 105 will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. on Sunday at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to St. Lawrence Catholic Church.