Leona Willhelm

Leona Ruthe Willhelm of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Potosi, was born on January 10th, 1934 in Potosi, a daughter of the late Ira Lee Mercer and Pearl Leona (Prevo) Mercer. Leona entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 24th, 2023 having reached the age of 89.

Leona was united in marriage to Franklin “Dale” Willhelm on July 19, 1952 and two children were born to this union. Leona loved working in her flower garden and passed that passion on to her family. Leona also enjoyed cooking for her family whom she loved very much. When Leona was able, she was always up for a good shopping trip. Leona was a member of Concord Church of St. Louis. She enjoyed traveling to many places with her church group as well as attending Sunday School with her husband, Dale. Leona will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she knew and loved.

Those who remain to treasure her memory include her son, Michael Willhelm (wife, Barbara); three grandchildren: Nikki Christmann (husband, Joe Rizzo), Kyle Willhelm (wife, Rachel), Katy Bean (husband, Austin; eight great grandchildren: Kelsey, Jackson, Dominic, Vincent, Gianna, Lawson, Brayden, and Willa; three brothers: Ira "Junior" Mercer, Marvin Mercer (wife, Elaine), and Kirby Mercer. Leona also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

In addition to her father and mother, Leona was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Willhelm; daughter, Debra Willhelm; sister-in-law, Dorothy Mercer; and her cat, Callie.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 1st, 2023 from 11 AM until the time of her Funeral Service at 1 PM, at DeClue Funeral Home with Elder Leonard Compton officiating. Musical Selections will be: “How great thou art”, “One day at a time”, and “Amazing Grace”. A private interment will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery at a later date. Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.