Garlan Poeppelmeier

1930-2022

Posted

Garlan Henry Gottlieb Poeppelmeier, 91, Gerald, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, at his residence.

He was born June 11, 1930, to August D. and Della (Kamper) Poeppelmeier on the Poeppelmeier home place, but at the age of 1 day moved. His parents had purchased a Pelster farm, directly across the road from his birthplace, this would be his farm residence for 91 years.

He was baptized July 27, 1930, his sponsor was his grandpa Gottlieb Kamper, for whom he received his second middle name. Garlan was a life long member of Ebenezer Stone Church.

He was united in marriage to Olivia Knurbein Knehans, Oct. 8, 1977, at Ebenezer Stone Church. They made their home on Garlan’s farm.

He attended the Buffalo Ridge School for 8 years then attended Union High School, where he graduated in 1948.

Garlan helped his father farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1952-1954. While in the service he was stationed in Germany as a bridge engineer. He was lucky to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, in October 2013 (going the day after the government shutdown started). Once there, some of Missouri’s politicians were able to get them in to the sights they were scheduled to see. These politicians recognized the importance of our veterans. Garlan was interviewed and was featured in an article, in the Baltimore Sun, ‘A little yellow ribbon is not going to stop them,’ he expressed how important and meaningful their act of kindness was “It means a whole lot.”

Once he returned to the family farm from his tour of duty, he continued farming with his dad. He enjoyed being outdoors, he loved walking over the farm, checking fences, hunting and fishing. He helped his cousin Harry Edward Panhorst on his farm as well.

Once he married Olivia, he had a family of his own, he enjoyed spending time with them. He often talked of his time spent with Olivia and the love they shared. He loved to take short trips with her, her brother Gene and his wife and sister Barb and her husband on out of state trips, as well as day drips to Grants Farm or Warm Spring Ranch with his granddaughters or great grandsons.

He was preceded in death by parents August and Della; wife Olivia; and sons-in-law Reuben Rohlfing and Dennis Kurrelmeyer.

He is survived by daughters Judy Rohlfing and Brenda Kurrelmeyer both of Owensville; grandchildren Sheri Hasan and husband Iyhab of Waukee, Iowa, Rick Rohlfing and special friend Jodi Fortner of Labadie, Robin Rohlfing and wife Amy of New Haven, Stacy Watson and husband Michael of New Bloomfield, Terri Adams and husband Brett of Peru, Neb., and Chad Rohlfing and wife Chelsea of Hermann; and 13 great-grandchildren; and his side-kick Terry Tucker and Anita Watson, who helped Brenda take care of him in his last months.

Visitation will be Wednesday (today), Feb. 9, from 4–8 p.m. at Gottenstroeter Funeral Home Chapel, Owensville.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. at Ebenezer Stone Church with Rev. Roger Johnson officiating. Burial will be in church cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials requested for family’s choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville.