Harold Nothdurft

Harold L. Nothdurft, 85, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

He was born April 27, 1919, in Cape Girardeau, son of Otto H. and Ida Ulrich Nothdurft. He and Jewell P. Nelson were married Aug. 13, 1939, in Cape Girardeau. She died Jan. 18, 1981.

Mr. Nothdurft's mother died when he was two days old, and he was christened at her graveside service. He was raised by an aunt and uncle, Alma and Henry Ulrich.

He was a former parts manager at Cape Toyota. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 63, VFW Post 3838, and Masonic Lodge. He was a longtime volunteer at Saint Francis Medical Center, American Cancer Society and Missouri Veterans Home. He received many awards for his volunteer work, including one from the governor of Missouri.

Mr. Nothdurft was in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and served three years on an LST in the Pacific.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia K. Nichols of Tavares, Fla., Marida A. Stearns of Nolensville, Tenn.; a half sister, Jean Sanders of Cape Girardeau; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Peter Rupprecht officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery, with military rites by VFW Post 3838.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society.