Elwood "Woody" Wesselschmidt

Elwood "Woody" L.H. Wesselschmidt, 88, of Hermann, MO, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025 in Hermann, Missouri.

Woody was born in Detmold, Missouri on July 8, 1936, the son of the late Vernon & Ina (Smith)Wesselschmidt.  He graduated New Haven High School in May of 1954. He later graduated East Central College in 1991 with a welding degree.

He was united in marriage to Helen D. Engelbrecht on May 26, 1957 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Hermann.  Together they shared over 60 years of marriage.  Helen preceded him in death on January 5, 2019.

Woody proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958.  He was one of the founding members of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hermann, where he served as the board president for six years and also served in other offices.  He served on the R-1 School Board for six years, was an alderman for the City of Hermann, and also served on several Hermann City committees. He was a life member of the Hermann V.F.W. Post 4182, a member of the American Legion, Hermann Rod & Gun Club and the Hermann Eagles.

He worked at International & Florsheim Shoe Companies for 30 years.  He was the plant superintendent at the time of their closing.  He then went to work for the Binkley Company for five years,  and the city of Hermann for 5 1/2 years, until his retirement. In his retirement he worked part-time for Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home.

Woody is survived by two sons,  Michael Wesselschmidt & wife Leota, of O'Fallon, Missouri; and Matthew Wesselschmidt, of Hermann, Missouri; a daughter, Mary Wesselschmidt, of Kansas City, Missouri; two grandsons, Jeffery Wesselschmidt and wife Lindsey Castillo & Andrew Wesselschmidt, one great granddaughter, Frida Wesselschmidt, a brother-in-law, Harold Roethemeyer, of Gerald, Missouri and nieces & nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister, Dorris Roethemeyer.

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 8th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hermann, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Stephen Kamprath officiating. 

Burial will be at Hermann Cemetery, with full military honors. Memorials may be given to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.