Karl J. Westrich

Karl J. Westrich, 64, of Cape Girardeau, MO, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at his home surrounded by loved ones, including his dog, “Rocky” and his mother’s dog, “Buddy”.

Karl was born October 10, 1959, in Cape Girardeau, MO, to the late Joseph F. Westrich and Theresa C. (Bucher) Westrich.

He developed a strong work ethic at a very young age of 12 which continued throughout his life.  It began with chopping weeds in cornfields for Harold Menz Farms near New Hamburg, MO, picking fruit and vegetables at Diebold’s Orchard in Kelso, MO, cooking steaks at Ponderosa Steakhouse, followed by employment at Proctor & Gamble, tending bar for his parents during their ownership of Schindler’s Tavern (Home of the Bologna Burger) and lastly working as a carpenter for Millwrights Local 1529 until he became disabled.

Karl was a master landscaper.  Other interests and hobbies included tinkering on cars or anything else that was motorized, owning top of the line stereos and speakers, skiing and boating at his property at Lake of the Ozarks, street racing his “hot rod” cars, creating specialty recipes using his home-built smokers and cruising on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Mary Fulmer of Cape Girardeau, MO, one daughter, Karrie Moeckel-Moll Westrich of Chesterfield, MO;  two sisters, Sandra (Howie) Bollinger of Benton, MO, Stephanie (Russell) Burger of New Hamburg, MO;  three nieces, Camille (Chris Murphy) Bollinger, Kristain (Tom) Carroll, Summer (Nathan) Meystedt; two nephews, Major (Monica) Burger and Dietrich (Janetta) Bollinger; four great-nieces, Mila Burger, Merci Jo Burger, Vera Carroll and Calleigh Bollinger; and three great-nephews, Kamden Bollinger, Tristen Masters and Knox Carroll.

Prayer service will begin at 3:30pm on Wednesday, June 5,, 2024 at the Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel in Chaffee, MO.  Visitation will follow immediately after prayers until 8pm.

Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 10am at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in New Hamburg, MO with Rev. Daniel Belken officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

Family requests that donations be made to the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, P.O. BOX 247, Benton, MO 63736.