Estelle M Wernle

Estelle “Estelvis” Marie Wernle (formerly Wottowa) nee Kromat of Millstadt passed peacefully on December 30, 2015 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St Louis, MO. Active throughout the Metro-East community pursuing her many passions and interests, Estelle was known for her ever present smile, easy laugh, and eagerness to volunteer. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Belleville for 54 years. Over a 20 year period she served on the St. Paul Church Council, Worship Board, Board of Christian Education, and Fine Arts Board. She was also a 52 year member of Order of the Eastern Star, Freeburg Chapter #542.

Estelle was a talented musician and singer, playing eleven instruments and serving as a member of seven choirs. Within St. Paul’s she was a member of the Glory Ringers and Chancel Choir. She twice served as President of the Gateway Dulcimer Society, served as pianist for the Royal Neighbors, Freeburg, formed the Flute Group in Belleville, and was a member of the Millstadt Community Choir and two patriotic choirs.

Estelle was a huge fan of Elvis Presley and was nick-named “Estelvis” for her undying love for his music. For nearly 30 years she served as judge for the Elvis Impersonator contests and organized the Elvis Trivia Contests at Blueberry Hill and The Pageant Theatre. She also served as a judge for the Illinois Elvis Impersonator Competition held in Springfield. She made twice yearly pilgrimages to Graceland on the anniversaries of Elvis’s birth and death for 37 years. In 1972, she insisted on bringing her two young sons to see “The King” perform in St. Louis despite their objections (and for which they are now grateful). She is a long-time friend of Elvis impersonator Steve Davis and a member of his fan club.

Estelle bred and raised exotic birds for over 40 years. She and husband Charlie were among the largest exotic bird breeders in the Midwest. Their Featherland Fantasy farm served the community with educational programs for students, Scouts, veterinarians, and other organizations. She wrote and published a number of articles on bird care and breeding techniques. She was a founder and 25 year member of the Midwest Bird and Animal Breeders Association, serving as Vice President from its inception until 2013 when she was elected President. She served as the Superintendent of Poultry at the St. Clair County Fair for over 20 years and was a long-time member and Director of the Heart of America Game Bird Association.

Never one to sit idly, Estelle pursued several other hobbies throughout her active life. She loved to fly and earned her Private Pilot – SEL license in 1969. She flew Cessna single engine planes out of St. Louis Downtown Airport (formerly Bi-State Parks Airport), taking family and friends as far as Canada and the Bahamas. She was a long-time member of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association. Another favorite pastime was playing golf, a sport which she enjoyed for nearly 50 years. Estelle played in Yorktown Golf Course’s Wednesday night and Thursday morning leagues, serving as captain of her Wednesday night team for many years. She also enjoyed playing card and board games with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed the company of the St. Paul’s Shufflers card enthusiasts.

Estelle was twice President of the Belleville Business and Professional Women’s Club. She received their Woman of the Year Award in 1990 and chaired the club’s golf tournament for ten years. She was a former member of the KETC Channel 9 Advisory Board and had a hand in the launch of Sesame Street in the area. For twelve years she trained as a volunteer for the Red Cross and was a past member of the St. Clair Legal Secretaries Association.

Estelle was preceded in death by her second husband, Charles A. Wernle, and her parents, Emil Kromat and Elda, nee Stumpe, Kromat Mann. She is survived by her two sons, Kennard L. Wottowa of Phuket, Thailand and Mark A. Wottowa (Barbara K. Dixon) of Millstadt, and the “love of her life,” her ever-present traveling companion – toy poodle “Bridgette.” She is also survived by her younger siblings, sister Patricia A. Groth (Terry) and brother Emil W. Kromat (Cecilia) both of Freeburg, her grandchildren Matthew A. Wottowa of Millstadt and Amanda N. Wottowa of Waterloo, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by best friends Sandy Branson, and Janet L. Werner.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Memorials in Estelle’s name can be made to St Paul’s UCC Department of Fine Arts.

Visitation: Friends may call on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 from 4pm-8pm at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223.

Funeral: Visitation at 9am, Services will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 10am at St Paul’s United Church of Christ, 115 W B St, Belleville, IL 62220

Interment will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.