Irene Cecilia Dickneite

Irene Cecilia Dickneite, age 87, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at St. Elizabeth Care Center. She was born in Miller County on October 30, 1927, daughter of the late Frank Benjamin and Myrtle Lauria (Clark) Wankum. On June 14, 1947, in St. Elizabeth, Irene married Alfred George Dickneite Sr., who preceded her in death on March 20, 2013. Irene was in the first graduating class of St. Elizabeth in 1945. She was a homemaker and also helped her husband, Alfred, raise turkeys on their turkey farm that they owned and operated from 1960 until 1992. Irene was a breast cancer survivor for many years. She was a member of the St. Ann's Sodality, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and the Republican Committee Woman for Jim Henry Township. She also served as a past Election Judge for St. Elizabeth. Irene was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. She is survived by one son, Alfred Dickneite Jr. and wife Joan of St. Elizabeth; one son-in-law, Paul Ritter of St. Elizabeth; five grandchildren, Julie Bock and husband Terry of Meta, Lori Johnson and husband Jeremy of Rogersville, Stephen Dickneite and wife Briana, Henry Dickneite, and Kenny Dickneite, all of St. Elizabeth; five great-grandchildren, Sophie Bock, Reagan Bock, Eli Bock, Brooklyn Johnson, and Alyssa Johnson; two nephews, Norbert Dickneite and wife Carol and Frank Wankum, all of St. Elizabeth; one niece, Pat Tierney of St. Louis; and one sister-in-law, Louise Lepper of St. Elizabeth. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Kathleen Ritter; one infant son, Kenneth Dickneite; two brothers, Ben Wankum and Henry Wankum; two infant brothers, Lawrence Wankum and William Wankum; one sister, Rose Puskar; three brothers-in-law, Clarence Lepper, Norbert Dickneite Sr., and Andy Puskar; and two sisters-in-law, Lucille Dickneite and Nettie Wankum. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Fr. Patrick Shortt will officiate. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service held at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, January 14, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center. Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in St. Elizabeth. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.