August J. "Gus" Feldker, Sr.

August J. "Gus" Feldker, Sr., 72, of Belleville, IL, formerly of Waterloo, IL, born Thursday, February 10, 1938 in St. Louis, MO, died Friday, October 8, 2010 at University Hospital, Columbia, MO.

Gus was a member of the United States Navy, serving the U.S.S. Thetis Bay from 1956 to 1959. Upon his release from active duty, Gus returned to Waterloo, IL, where he joined his father in the masonry business.  

Gus was a skilled masonry craftsman for more than 56 years, and a member of the Bricklayer's Union, Local 8. His advanced skills enabled him to create works of art. Many local homes and businesses were built by Gus, and are recognizable by his unique style. 

In 1989 Gus' skills took him to Germany, where, in honor of his heritage, he proudly chiseled into the Berlin Wall. 

In recent years he focused his work on custom, executive homes created with native stone and brick. He was an award winning stone mason, and was recognized for his grand projects locally and at the Lake of the Ozarks, where he was affectionately known as the "castle builder". Gus took great pride in his work, and got great joy from working with and teaching his craft to his sons and grandson. He had an energetic, non-stop work ethic, and was fortunate to work the trade he loved until the time of his death. 

Gus was a member of St. Clair Country Club, Belleville, IL since 1971, and an avid golfer. Until a construction accident in 1990, he was an avid runner and snow skier. 

Gus was preceded in death by his:

  • Parents: Clemens H. and Elizabeth nee Eschmann Feldker, Sr.
  • Brother: Clemens H Feldker, Jr.
  • Brother-in-law: Enloe Krausz
  • Infant son: Jeffrey Scott Feldker 

Surviving are his:

  • Loving companion and best friend of two decades: Rebecca A Elam
  • Children 
    • Thomas M (Cindy) Feldker of Millstadt, IL
    • Susan A (Michael J.) O'Malley of Swansea, IL
    • Karin E Feldker of San Francisco, CA
    • August J "Gus" (Victoria) Feldker, Jr, of Belleville, IL
  • Sister: Mary Ann Krausz of Millstadt, IL
  • Brother: Paul F and Karlene Feldker of Waterloo, IL
  • Sister-in-law: Ruth Ann Feldker, of Muskogee, OK
  • Grandchildren
    • Mark T Feldker of Millstadt, IL
    • Stephanie M. Feldker of Millstadt, IL
    • Emily R Feldker of Millstadt, IL
    • Sara A "Sally" O'Malley, of Swansea, IL
    • August J "Gus" Feldker, III, of Belleville, IL
  • Step-grandchildren
    • Katherine C O'Malley of Belleville, IL
    • Elizabeth O (Shane) Conzelman, of Belleville, IL
  • Many cousins, nieces and nephews 

Gus was known and loved by many family, friends and colleagues, and will be deeply missed. "You may have to grow older, but you never have to grow up."

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans. 

Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 P.M., Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.

Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:30 am for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00am Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with Fr. Clyde Grogan officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Waterloo, IL.

 

 

Condolences left for August J. "Gus" Feldker, Sr.:

    Rebecca, I want to extend my deepest sympathy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
    Jan


    Janet Cowan Arnold MO 63010

    I like to express my deepest sympathy for your lost, and I wish the very best in your recovery of this great lost to your family.

    C&D Law Firm.

    Barbara Garrett St.Louis Mo 63132

    Becky, We are so sorry for your loss. You and Gus' family are in our prayers.

    Bill & Marcie Barron Troy Missouri 63379

    Rebecca; keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. You have my deepest sympathy, and I am so sorry for your loss.

    Pamela Feigenbaum Chesterfield MO 63017

    Rebecca and Mary Ann --I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

    Linda

    Linda (Skaer) Tucker Wentzville MO 63385

    Tom, Cindy and Family,
    Please accept my most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Gus. I will be unable to attend the services as I will be out of town, but I wanted you to know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
    Kurt Krummrich

    Kurt Krummrich Belleville IL 62220

    I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

    Yen Huynh Dallas TX

    My sympathy to Gus' entire family. Gus always had a smile when I ran into him. Keep his smile in your hearts as you grieve.

    Lauren Blaies Blowers Houston TX 77077

    We had the privilege of meeting Gus as a result of renting one of his beautiful "castles" at the Lake of Ozarks. We wanted to send our deepest sympathies to Rebecca and to his entire family. We were struck with his great sense of humor and kindness and this old world surely will not be same and will feel the loss of his presences. May your great memories bring you all the comfort your hearts can hold.
    K. Pratto & the Lazy Girls Club, Illinois

    Kathy Pratto & Lazy Girls Club Collinsville IL 62234

    Rebecca I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.

    Karen Packer Irving Texas 75063