Merle E. “Fat Kat” Triefenbach, 70, of Lenzburg, IL; born on August 7, 1949 in Red Bud, IL; passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.

Merle was a truck driver for 50 years.  He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Biddleborn, IL and the New Athens Sportsman’s Club.  Merle enjoyed keeping the neighborhood clean by riding up and down his road in his side by side picking up any litter that he saw.

He was preceded in death by his parents – Harpel and Irene, nee Sinn, Triefenbach.  One sister – Sharon Price.

He is survived by his wife – Sue, nee Leneave, Triefenbach who he married on March 18, 1983 in Mt. Vernon, IL.  His children – Rodney (Sheila) Triefenbach of St. Libory, IL; Cheri (Jeff Edmonds) Obermeier of Freeburg, IL; Brad (Betty) Triefenbach of Marissa, IL; Tim (Vernia) Hager of Arnold, MO.  Eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  One brother – Dale (Janet) Triefenbach of St. Libory, IL.  He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice or to the New Athens Home for the Aged.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com

 Visitation: Friends may call at Holy Ghost United Church of Christ in Darmstadt, IL on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Funeral: Services will be held at Holy Ghost United Church of Christ in Darmstadt, IL on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 1:00pm with Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held in the Darmstadt Memorial Cemetery in Darmstadt, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Leana Bradtke says:

   03/04/2020 at 7:31 pm

   Sue,
   So sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy. You will be in our mind, hearts and prayers.
   Sincerely,
   Leana and Mark Bradtke
   Cindy Funk

   Reply
2. Rob and Charlotte Shaw says:

   03/02/2020 at 1:21 pm

   Dear Sue, Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family. Merle will be missed by all who new him.

   Reply
3. Sondra Meyer says:

   03/02/2020 at 8:08 am

   Jim and I send our deepest sympathy during this sad time for you and your family. Sondra and Jim Meyer

   Reply
   • Keri Diefenbach says:

     03/02/2020 at 9:27 pm

     Sue,
     I’m so sorry for your loss. Merle will be greatly missed.

     Reply
4. Rich Lehman says:

   03/01/2020 at 8:16 pm

   Our deepest sympathy to Merle’s family. We send our prayers. for Merle who was our longtime friend and employee of my dad’s trucking company. We will miss “fat cat”, but his stories and exploits will live forever.

   Reply
   • Phil and Toni Hoehner says:

     03/02/2020 at 7:01 am

     So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.

     Reply