Elmer Leo Houchlei
November 4, 1936 ~ July 28, 2017
Elmer Leo Houchlei, 80, of Sorento, IL, passed away at 12:20 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017 at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, IL.
Elmer was born November 4, 1936 in Edwardsville, IL, the son of Leo and Rosetta (Jordan) Houchlei. He married Vina Saathoff January 3, 1959, at the Sorento Baptist Church.
Elmer graduated from Greenville High School, and went on to work for Laclede Steel for 40 years. During that time, he helped his father run the family meat market in Sorento, as well as farm, and raise hogs. Elmer attended Reno Baptist Church. He was a champion trap shooter, loved traveling near and far to find antiques, and was an avid hunter. Of all of Elmer’s hobbies and interests, his greatest love was his family and friends, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dwyane Houchlei; and sister, Geraldine Hampton.
Elmer is survived by his wife, Vina Saathoff Houchlei of Sorento; children, Tammie Potts of Hillsboro, and Carl Houchlei of Sorento; grandchildren, Donovan Potts, Jessica Zenquis, Amie (husband, Jeremy) White, Sarah (husband, Jeffrey) Houchlei Greene, Emily Kate (husband, Paul) Kelley, and Cory Houchlei; great grandchildren, Alexis, Evry, Daryn, Bramble, Maddox, Aaron, Jossilin, and Jase; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 201 S. Main St., Sorento, IL 62086.
Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 31, 2017 at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Sorento, with Rev. Frank Loskot, officiant.
Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: International Foundation for CDKL5, P.O. Box 926, Wadsworth, OH 44282.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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We are sorry for your loss.
We are sorry for your loss. Elmer was a great person. We are here if you need anything.
Vina and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and thoughts your way!
So sorry for your loss….As long as I can remember being in Sorento it was always Elmer and Vina. They held the secret to ‘true love”. What a handsome guy ! Drew always appreciated the advice Elmer gave on when to plant what in his garden. They had “deep” conversations at Jerry’s garage. He will surely be missed!!
I am so sorry for your loss. Elmer was a great man and will be greatly missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elmer and Vina are such wonderful people. I’m so sorry that Elmer passed. The family will be in my prayers.
A Grandma’s Garden Table Basket was sent on July 30, 2017
Sarah and Katie, just wanted to send something to let ya know I thinking of ya both. Love ya Elizabeth and the boys
What a wonderful man, always a pleasure to be around, Elmer you will always be in our hearts. Much love on your next journey, see you later.
Thoughts and prayers to the Houchlei family
I am very sorry to read of the loss of, Mr. Houchlei. He was a very faithful and dedicated man, married for 59 years! I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through, but what has helped me deal with the loss of those I love, is turning to the Scriptures, something that has been a real source of comfort. One Scripture that gives me hope is, John 11:25, which says, “Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” I hope that this verse will also comfort you and, I hope you and your family can get through this difficult time. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend. Sincerely, Meryl, jw.org – healingwordsforu@gmail.com
My condolences. Elmer was a classmate and dear friend. My prayers are with the family.
Dee Schwindt (Deloris Hawkins)
Vina and family- so very sorry to hear of Elmer’s passing He always was so cheerful and kind He will be missed I hold your entire family up in my prayers Bev Schmidt