Kurt Kestermeier 1954-2008

UPDATED BELOW 5/2/2008
Letter to from a Betty to the redevezous group:
It is with deep regret that I must inform everyone that our dear friend and fellow DESC member, Kurt Kestermeier, passed away yesterday, Saturday, May 24, 2008 following a stroke on Thursday, May 22. It is a shock to everyone, especially to those who spent time with him last weekend at Heritage Days when he looked great and seemed to be in the best of health.

Kurt, 53, was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1954 . He is survived by his three children: Tina Kriz, Eric and John Kestermeier; two grandchildren, Kody and Breanne Kriz; his father, John Kestermeier; one sister, Mary Colver; and one brother, Mark Kestermeier. Kurt presently lived in Pawhuska , Oklahoma .

Kurt will be missed by the many friends he made during his lifetime. He was always kind, big-hearted, and a pleasure to spend time with. Myself, I never remember Kurt saying anything bad about anyone. He truly was a friend to all. As Eve and I agree, he was a big man with a big heart.

In his biography in the new Biography Book, Kurt described his life the past eighteen years the best by saying: “My living history career began in 1990. My original persona was that of a fur trapper, circa 1800. As I progressed, I became part of the French Militia, FNI period, and I developed a native persona to help friends at the kick-off of the Lewis and Clark Re-enactment. I portray an historic Osage with the blessings of the Osage nation. I became involved with DESC through friendship with Glen and several other members. The common bond with all of us is the inability to say ‘No.’ I am currently single and residing in Oklahoma .”

A Memorial Service is being planned for Saturday, June 9, at Fort de Chartres during the annual Rendezvous. More information will be sent as soon as it is available. The family sincerely hopes for a large DESC turnout. Please feel free to write or call Eve for additional information at equinstm@mindspring.com or 636-463-1031.

If you wish to send a card of condolence, Kurt's daughter's address is Tina Kriz, 2434 Hoard Avenue, Jennings, Missouri 63136.

Just one week ago today I was walking back to camp with Kurt, Josh and Eve. As they were walking along I thought that it would be nice to have a picture of the three of them. Needless to say, I took more than one. In fact, Kurt told me "Take one more, Betty." I am very thankful for the opportunity to have taken pictures of three great friends. God Bless. Betty

Harron P. Cornell (Mr. C) passes away



Assistant Scoutmaster Harron P. Cornell from Troop 551 (affectionately referred to as Mr.C) passed away Monday morning Jan 9, 2006 due to complications from Cancer. He was active in both the Troop and the Order of the Arrow.

Cornell, Harron Jan. 16, 2006.
Beloved husband of Connie Cornell; dear father of Brigitte (Tobias) Hodge, Brandi and Phillip; and grandfather of Christopher and Bria; dear son of Cubbie and Mary Cornell; brother of Eveline (Isaac) Singleton, Velva Davis and Camay Cornell; son-in-law of Rebecca Boldin; brother-in-law; uncle and friend. Services: Visitation Thursday, January 19, 4-8 p.m., Eddie Randle & Sons Funeral Home, 4600 Natural Bridge. Funeral 9 a.m., Grace Lutheran Chapel, 10015 Lance. Burial National Cemetery.

Scouter Gone Home: John P. Hammerschmidt
(John is the Scouter in the blue shirt)

Official Obituary:
Hammerschmidt, John P. baptized into the hope of Christ's resurrection, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2005 at age 62. Beloved husband of Norma J. Hammerschmidt (nee Oberfeld); loving father of Marie E. (Mike) Mowery, John M. (Sandra) Hammerschmidt, and Phillip W. Hammerschmidt.; dearest grandfather of Tyler and Paige; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend. John loved his family, his church and was a lifetime Scout.Services: Funeral Wed., Nov 23, 1:00 p.m. from BUCHHOLZ MID RIVERS Mortuary, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. (between Mexico Rd. & Willott Rd.), to St. Ferdinand Catholic Church (Florissant), for a 2 p.m. Mass. Interment Calvary Cemtery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Greater St. Louis Boy Scouts of America, 4568 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 appreciated. VISITATION TUES. 2-8. (published: 11/28/2005)

Editors note: If anyone has any better recent pictures, please get them to Mr. Wilbur or the Webmaster

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Scouter Gone Home: Mr. Lee Hodde passes away

Below is an e-mail sent by Mitch Pillarick:

I hate being the bearer of bad news, but everyone needs to know. This afternoon (27 APR 05) Mr. Lee Hodde passed away. He suffered a heart attack on the way home from church. His funeral date has not been set yet, but it has been asked that everyone who knew him to please attend it and to wear their full Class-A. He will be buried in his Class-A uniform. I will pass on the information about his funeral to everyone, as it becomes available. Also tell anyone that may not know, especially the guys off at college, who have moved away, or who are over seas. In the mean time please pray for him and his family. He was a great man, one who had a true passion and love for the scouts. The world is less of a place without him.

Thank You, Mitch Pillarick

Official Obituary:
HODDE, RUSSELL LEE,entered into rest suddenly on Wednesday, April 27, 2005; dear father of Linda (Charlie) Steding, Bill (Elaine) Hodde and Jim (Chris) Hodde; dear brother of Cheryl (Larry) Foster; our dear grandfather of 9 and great-grandfather of 1; dear uncle, great-uncle and friend.

Lee was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis and Church of The Master. Visitation at WHITE-MULLEN Mortuary, 118 N. Florissant Rd., Ferguson, on Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, 3-8 p.m. Funeral Service on Monday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. at Church of The Master, 1325 Paddock Dr. at Parker Rd. in Florissant. Visitation at Church, 9:00 a.m. until time of the service. Interment Zion Cemetery. Memorial Contributions in his memory to Boy Scouts of America or Church of The Master would be appreciated.Dignity logo (published: 04/29/2005)

Some additional information:
Lee had his heart attack while driving his new truck on I-270. Fortunately, no one else was hurt.

Additional Pictures of Lee:
Lee Picture #2
Lee Picture #3
Lee Picture #4 Quite possibly the last picture of Lee (04/23/05 8:15am)
Lee Picture #5 Found another Picture (04/22/05 6:15pm)


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