Lavern Sophia Brandhorst, 91, of Owensville, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, at Gasconade Manor in Owensville.
She was born Dec. 25, 1929, to Albert and Sophia (Sassmann) Schneider in Cooper Hill.
She was united in marriage to Elmer George Brandhorst June 19, 1948 in Cooper Hill.
Lavern was a member of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Owensville and a member of Eastern Star number 414 and served as a Worthy Matron. Lavern taught school in a one room schoolhouse in Tea before she was married. She also worked in the Gasconade school district ushering in the Title Nine program.
In 1977, she started her career path into real estate where more friendships were developed and a sense of pride was present with helping many achieve their real estate goals. She thrived at selling real estate and this became her passion. She received many awards and recognition for her accomplishments in this area. Lavern was a true believer in Gasconade County and the state of Missouri. She had many southern mannerisms including reciting the Lords Prayer. Even when the grandkids were hungry, the jelly had to be put into the jelly dish with the proper spoon and carried to the dining room table before we could say a prayer and eat.
She loved her granddads and was always proud of their accomplishments but no one impressed her more than her son. She was a true believer in family and enjoyed her time and conversations with her sisters, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents, Albert and Sophia; husband, Elmer; brother, Edsel Schneider; and sisters, Alvera Grechen, Evelyn Niebruegge, Viola DeVoogt, Bernice Brehe and Orpha Schulte.
She is survived by son, Greg Brandhorst and wife Sherri of Burbank, Wash.; grandchildren, Mikayla Anderson and husband Marc of Cheney, Wash. and Nathan Brandhorst of Pasco, Wash.; sister-in-law, Vida Mehrhoff of Corder; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 13, from 4-8 p.m. at Gottenstroeter Chapel in Owensville.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 14, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ at Cooper Hill with Rev. Van Lahmeyer and Rev. Stephanie DeLong officiating. Burial will be in Owensville City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Gasconade County Historical Society or St. Peter’s United Church of Christ.
Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville.
