Laurie Brendel

Laurie Brendel, 73, of Florissant, MO, lost her courageous battle with cancer on February 6, 2020, surrounded by her four children, and in her last days, cared for by her brother.  To the end, Laurie lived by the motto, “warrior on”.

Laurie was born January 29, 1947, to Harry and Mary (nee Wolfe) Lientz in Belleville, IL.

Laurie grew up in Lebanon, and after graduating high school, she attended Western Kentucky, where she fell in love and left her ambition for medical school behind to marry and start her family.  Later on, for what became more than 30 years, she worked in shoe sales, eventually becoming a retail manager for Shoe Carnival.

More than anything else, Laurie loved her kids and grandchildren.  She also cherished many pet cats through the years.  Laurie was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Manager Mike Matheny.  The Wizard of Oz was also very special to her, and she treasured an extensive collection of Oz memorabilia.  She also loved her Pepsi Cola!

Laurie is survived by her children, Lisa (Brent) Wetzler, St. Charles, MO, Michele (Claude) Karraker, Collinsville, IL, Lance (Kimberly) Brendel, O’Fallon, MO, Matthew (Meagan) Brendel, Florissant, MO; grandchildren, Zachary Karraker, Chase Wetzler, Bailey Wetzler, Kyla Baumhover, Leia Brendel, Madelyn Brendel, McKenna Brendel; and brother, Randy (Nina) Lientz, Evansville, IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Mary Jean Lientz.

Laurie’s children invite you to wear your Cardinal Red when you join them for her funeral visitation and service, to honor their mother’s St. Louis Cardinals spirit.

Memorials may be made to Granite City APA or an animal shelter of your choice.

Visitation: Wednesday, February 12, 2020, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 1:00 pm, Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

Eulogy: Brother Randy Lientz

Interment: College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL