Leon Welter

KELSO, Mo. -- Leon Nickolas Welter, 86, of Kelso died Monday, Jan. 17, 2011, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston, Mo.

He was born May 6, 1924, in Benton, Mo., to Andrew John and Mary Katherine LeDure Welter. He and Helen Maxine Karraker were married Aug. 7, 1948, in Kelso.

Welter served in the U.S. Army in World War II.

He worked at Florsheim Shoe Co. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso, Knights of Columbus Council 1111 in Cape Girardeau, VFW Post 6407 in Scott City and American Legion Post 369 in Benton.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Freddie Welter of Kelso; a grandson, Andrew Welter; a brother, Sylvester Welter of Kelso; three sisters, Revella Schlosser of Scott City, Celeste Steimle and Zeta Welter of Kelso; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Dawn Burger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Janet Marie Welter; a brother, Arnold Welter; and a sister, Betty Kluesner.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Kelso. Parish prayers will be at 6:30, with Knights of Columbus service following.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Rev. Oliver Clavin as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Welter, Danny Smith, Gary Schlosser, B.J. Smith, Jim Kluesner and Randy Cox.

Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel of Scott City is in charge of arrangements.