By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Wednesday, February 12, 2020

    10:00 am to 1:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL

  • Service

    Wednesday, February 12, 2020

    1:00 pm

    Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    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

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. pamela gutierrez / February 8, 2020 at 9:27 am

    Dear Lisa,Michele,Lance,Mathew and families- I was sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My mom (your Aunt Irene) sent me to be a Mothers helper to your mother when you all were born. I will always remember your mom as a new mom with lots of energy and a beautiful person inside and out! Mind you I was about 10 or 12 and had no idea what I was doing but could go for and change diapers! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Pam(Morris)Gutierrez

  2. Jean Weir McCasland / February 8, 2020 at 10:00 am

    Blessings to Randy & to Laurie’s four children. She was a wonderful friend of mine when I lived in Lebanon for four years & attended Lebanon High. She was friendly, kind & funny always introducing me to friends at school. I have kept in contact with her for over 50 years . We had great visits during high school Reunions. She raised four amazing children whom she loved with all her heart. They are her real Legacy! Laurie was a hard worker & a true “Warrior” until the end. What an inspiration to others! God Bless her family. Love & Prayers…🙏❤️ Jean Weir McCasland

  3. Beth Parton / February 8, 2020 at 7:37 pm

    My Dearest Laurie, we are kindred spirits. We’re Aquarians, independent, compassionate.
    Loyal & not to be trifled with. We are Cat Whisperers!
    I regret you didn’t come into my life sooner.
    God had a plan.. The time we spent together was very special . I’m honored to be there when needed.
    You’re in my heart always. We’ll meet again, my friend. I love and already miss you.
    .Beth*

  4. Lyda and Don Loehring / February 9, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    Laurie you are already sadly missed. But every time I see a cardinal or here about the Cardinals. I think of you. To remember the gang we were in at school and dancing or fool heads off at Lolly’s. It was great growing up with you and being friends. Fly high. You are truly a voice for love and womanhood. Prayers Randy and all her loved ones. She is your angel who will watch over you all. You can be so proud she was your sister and mother. Love was shared by her to all of us.

  5. Sean Georges / February 10, 2020 at 11:26 am

    On behalf of her fellow warriors at Shoe Carnival, I wanted to write to express our appreciation for having a teammate of Laurie’s caliber. She touched many of us over the years, and will always be remembered fondly. We share in her loss, but are buoyed by the memories. To her family . . . we thank you for letting us have her on our team for those 30 some years. God Bless.

  6. Terry voyles / February 11, 2020 at 7:33 am

    Dear Lisa. Michelle. Lance. N. Mathew.
    We remember all of you as the twins on Concord drive in fairview. We watched you all grow up n as life takes us we all went our own ways.
    It was memories of LINDA , Terry n Laurie all good neighbors n just true old friendships that never go away. Your mom was a sweet person n I was so happy we got to be with her on her 70 th birthday.
    So Rest In Peace dear friend you will never be forgotten we have memories that keep a piece of you near.
    Terry

  7. Janice Fossie-Ware / February 12, 2020 at 2:56 pm

    To Randy and the entire family of dear Laurie…I shall always remember her as one of the kindest people at LCHS. I could not imagine how she would be so happy to have her mother watching her at school all day…BUT…you would have to have known her mother to know what an honor that would truly have been. My deepest sympathy to each one of you…you have truly lost someone special…BUT…I am sure you have some great special memories to hold in your hearts. May God bless each one of you, as only He can!!!

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