Emily R. Stefanus

Emily Rexine Stefanus, nee Heuermann, was born on January, 16th, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois at the Mary Thompson Women and Children’s Hospital on a cold winter night. She was the oldest child of George and Mary Esther (Emmons) Heuermann. Fourteen months after her birth the small family moved to a farm in Norwood, Missouri purchased by her paternal grandparents, Henry and Emilie Heuermann. Later the entire family moved to a farm near Beck and Kimmswick and eventually settled in St. Louis, renting a flat at Parnell and Dodier Street, Emily lived with her parents, paternal grandparents and siblings until her marriage. She attended the Zion E&R church, Howard Elementary School and Central High School graduating in 1947. She did well in school and had many friends. She loved music and was in the Choral group. Following her graduation she went to work for Bell Telephone where her mother worked as an operator. She retired as an Executive Secretary from Southwestern Bell at the age off 55.

On April 24, 1948, Emily was united in marriage of Norman Peter Stefanus at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church Parsonage. They began their married life in Maplewood, Missouri and bought their first home in Arnold, Missouri. In 1962, they moved back to Lemay where they lived there until Emily’s retirement. Shortly thereafter, they moved to the small town of Bunker, Missouri and purchased a home and 150 acres among the Missouri Hills. They loved the 15 years of country life. Norman proceeded Emily in death on March 30, 1999. Norman was a Veteran of United States Navy and Served in World War II. They were married for 51 years.

Emily Departed this life at Bethesda Dilworth Long Term Care Facility, Kirkwood, Missouri on January 9th, 2021, at the age of 91.

Emily was proceeded in death by her parents, George and Mary Esther, her husband Norman P. Stefanus, her son John P. Stefanus, one brother Jack G. Heuermann, and sisters Geraldine G. Corizine and Mary Lou Puleo.

Emily is survived by her four children, James N. Stefanus and wife Christine of St. Louis, Missouri, Mary J. Stefanus of St. Louis, Missouri, Steven G. Stefanus and wife Kelly of Imperial, Missouri, and Nancy A. Stefanus of Desoto, Missouri, eight grandchildren, Kristen Stacy, Jaclyn Stacy, Daniel Stefanus, Cody Stefanus, Collin Mooney, Tyler Mooney, Lauren Stefanus and Michelle Stefanus, and one great-grandchild Landon Williams.

It was Emily’s wish that any memorial tributes, in honor of her late son John Paul, be made in the form of charitable donations to St. Louis Arc, and organization to empower people with the intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families to lead better lives by providing a lifetime of high-quality services, family support and advocacy.

Emily was dearly loved by her family, was beloved by all and will be deeply missed. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation for the sympathy, comforting words, prayers and all expressions of kindness and concern. May God continue to bless you.

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