Leon Vanderfeltz

Leon G. Vanderfeltz, age 79, passed away suddenly with family by his side on Monday, February 6, 2012. He was born December 1, 1932, in Jefferson City, Missouri, the son of the late G.G. and Cecilia Franken Vanderfeltz. On December 1, 1951, he was united in marriage in Jefferson City to Rita Mae DeBroeck, who proceeded him in death on May 24, 2008. Leon attended St. Peter's High School where he was a 1950 graduate. Leon grew up on the family dairy farm helping his father with the herd and farming operations. He was part owner and store manager of DeBroeck's Market from 1956 to 1974. In 1969, he moved to the farm and in 1974, became a full-time dairy farmer. He was a charter member, lifetime member and past president of the Helias Athletic Booster Club. He was also a member of the Helias Band Booster Club. Leon served as a communion minister, was a member of the Knights of Columbus - Helias Council 1054 and was a 4th degree Knight with the Dan C. Coppin Council. He was a member of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce and Mid-American Dairy Association. He was also a member of the Dairy Herd Improvement and the Missouri State Holstein Association where he served as past president of both. Leon was honored as an affiliated member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The honor is given to those who show outstanding religious and community concern, especially toward young people. He was a 2008 inductee of the Helias Hall of Fame. In 1992, Leon was honored with the Dairy Leadership Award. Leon was known as Helias #1 Cheerleader, supporting and cheering the Helias Crusaders at all sports both home and away. Everyone will remember him for his famous Helias Cheer that starts with "Give Me An H". He loved spending time with his "girlfriend" Rita Mae and being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren during the weekends and holidays. He was an avid antique tractor collector, no matter what color they were. He is survived by five sons: Donald Vanderfeltz, wife Jean of California, Missouri, Mark Vanderfeltz, wife Mary Beth of Jefferson City, Daniel Vanderfeltz, wife Joan of Jefferson City, Bill Vanderfeltz, wife Glenda of Jefferson City and Joseph Vanderfeltz, wife Melinda of Lawton, Pennsylvania; three daughters: Ann Mulholland, husband Eddie of Jefferson City, Joan Plassmeyer, husband Jeff of Freeburg, Mary Padgett, husband Kent of Jefferson City; two brothers: Robert Vanderfeltz of Jefferson City and David Vanderfeltz of Westphalia; three sisters: Madeline Sutherlin of Lee's Summit, Rita Puckett of Jefferson City and Geraldine Vanderfeltz of Westphalia; his uncle: Virgil Vanderfeltz of the home; 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Along with his wife Rita Mae, Leon was preceded in death by one brother: John Vanderfeltz. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 10, 2012, at Helias Catholic High School, Rackers Fieldhouse where a prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2012, at Helias Catholic High School, Rackers Fieldhouse. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to The Helias Science Center or the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com