Andrew Louis Depke Born: September 4, 1925 Died: February 24, 2016
Andrew Louis Depke of St Louis, MO died following a long illness. Andrew leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years, Marcella (nee Santhuff), and children, Debra and Donald, and grandchildren, Adam Shores, Derek Depke, Daniela Depke and Deanna Depke.
Born and raised in St Louis, Andrew joined the Navy Air Corp during WWII. Using the GI bill, he graduated with a business degree from Washington University in St Louis. Andrew, always a hard worker, managed to graduate in 3 years by attending day classes, night classes and summer school.
After graduation, Andrew quickly rose through the ranks at Emerson Electric to become Corporate Employment Manager. In 1969, he left Emerson to buy his own business, Midwest Woodworking and Fixture Corporation.
Andrew’s advice and counsel was highly valued and sought out by others. He served at varying times on the boards of Carpenter’s District Council of St Louis Health and Welfare Fund, Carpenter’s District Council of St Louis Pension Fund, Washington University Alumnae Club, St Louis Chapter of Institute of Store Planners, St Louis Chapter of the Urban League, St Louis Chapter of Architectural Woodworking Institute, National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers, and St Louis Community College-Meramec.
Andrew valued hard work, diligence, and delayed gratification, but he also appreciated the finer things in life; the outdoors, antiques, cut glass and world travel. Andrew loved to collect and his eclectic tastes included buying and selling farm property in Missouri, and collecting antiques, cut glass and antique guns. His travels took his wife and him to nearly every corner of the world. Andrew and Marcella visited nearly all 50 states of the USA including Alaska and Hawaii, but they also enjoyed foreign ports of call in the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Australia, Northern Africa, the Middle East and Central America.
Andrew’s contributions will live on long after him. He will be missed.
The family would like to thank the gracious, caring staff at Friendship Village of Sunset Hills for improving the number and quality of his days.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Saturday, February 27 from 1:00 PM until funeral service at 4:00 PM.