Melvin D. "Mel" Lindhorst's Obituary
Melvin “Mel” D. Lindhorst, 79, died April 10, 2021, at home in Columbia with his family by his side.
He was born November 24, 1941, in Maplewood Township, Cahokia. He was the son of Melvin “Dutch” and Wanda (nee Beck) Lindhorst. On November 15, 1963, he married Margie Crimm.
In 1965, he began a 48-year career in sales with Ford Hotel Supply and Equipment Company in St. Louis. He loved the hospitality/food service industry and enjoyed enduring friendships with many chefs and restaurant/hotel owners.Mel enjoyed a full life: Playing poker and pinochle in many card clubs with his buddy, Roger Schewe. Weekly lunches at Hodak’s Restaurant (St. Louis) with owners Charlene and Ralph Hegel, her sister Marianne and father, Tony Flieg. Fishing and attending American Thrashing Assn. shows with friend, Wayne Rey. Riding his Yamaha on the Columbia and Valmeyer Bottoms roads. Sitting by a campfire (or anywhere really) telling jokes and mostly true stories about growing up in Dupo. Monthly dinners with his beloved Lindhorst cousins (although he was always getting the date and restaurant wrong.) Keeping “neighborhood watch” with the best neighbors in the world: Bob and Debbie Carmack, Dan Haney and Bernie Toenjes. With Margie, traveling extensively, but especially: New Orleans – listening to buskers on Royal St., people-watching at Jackson Square, eating beignets at Café Du Monde. Siesta Key, Florida: sunrise walks on the beach and sunset drum circles. Annual family vacations. Many trips listening to pub music in Ireland and climbing around castles in England. He had a passion for construction projects and never saw a tool he didn’t need! He’s leaving a garage full of nuts and bolts that need a new home. He hauled tons of mulch and native plants to help build St. Paul UCC Columbia Community Labyrinth with his best girlfriend – Edna Dell. He volunteered at Kindercottage, E. St. Louis, gathering week-end food for the preschoolers. He provided moral support during the “great playground rebuild” and loved joyous conversations with Brenda Crisp and Yolanda Wooten. He often said, “The sound of children playing is the greatest sound of all.” He was a member of St. Paul UCC – Columbia.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his much-loved daughter and son: Kathryn and David Canaday, MD, sons Jack and William (Shaker Heights, OH). Eric and Lelia Lindhorst and sons Taylor and Evan (Webster Groves, MO.) He was proud to be a part of his grandsons growing into kind, compassionate, honorable men. He is also survived by his sister’s-in-law, Carrie (Gary) Rahn – Millstadt; Kathy (David) Riebeling - Fults. Brother’s-in-law, Phil (Janet) Crimm - Fults, and Bill Crimm - Maeystown. Nieces and Nephews: Matthew “Ty” (Shelley) and Clay (Nina) Lindhorst, Tara Lindhorst Meyers all of Waterloo. April and Joel (Emily) Rahn; Kim, Matt (Jennifer) and Jesse Crimm; Kristen (Chris) Currens and Adam (Nancy ) Riebeling. Grand nieces/nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Sherri (Shireman) Lindhorst. Father-in-law. W. Crimm. Sister-in-law, Linda Crimm and nephew, Josh Crimm. Friend Mike Scott (Drury Hotels – Cape Girardeau, MO.) He will be remembered for his easy, infectious laughter.
A memorial service will be held in May. Memorial arrangements were entrusted to Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo.
It was Mel’s wish that any memorial tributes be made to Uni-Pres Kindercottage and directed through St. Paul UCC, 172 St. Paul St., Columbia, IL 62236. For more information, please visit www.leesmahfuneralhome.com
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