Hogrebe, Zona Norma (nee Buettner) went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 18, 2024
Zona was born on September 18, 1927, in Wartburg, Illinois. She was the ninth of fourteen children born to John and Capitola (nee Huffstedter) Buettner. She was preceded in death by her brothers; Edwin, Fenton, Jerome, Norbert, Louis, John, Glenn and Delano, and her sisters; Ferna, Isthma, Ethel, LaVerne and JoAnn.
Zona’s father died in 1936 and her mother passed away in 1942. At age 15, with both her parents deceased, Zona went to work for a family in Chicago as a live-in babysitter and housekeeper. Shortly before her 16th birthday she moved to St. Louis and resided at the Mary Rider Boarding House while working for various companies; Johansen Shoe Factory, JC Penny, Cutter Karcher and White Rogers.
While employed at White Rogers in 1951 Zona met Robert (Bob) Hogrebe. Zona and Bob eloped to Arkansas and were married on June 2, 1951.
Zona and Bob had 4 children. their first child, Susan, was born in 1954 but did not survive. They were blessed with 3 more children; Laurie (George) Reinheimer, Terri (Jim) Drazen and Ron (Carrie) Hogrebe. They had 7 grandchildren; Chris (Christi) Reinheimer, Stephanie Reinheimer, Mike Drazen, Tim (Vanessa) Drazen, Diana (Ryan) Burke, Madelyn Hogrebe and Rebecca Hogrebe. Also 5 great-grandchildren; Tori Drazen, Rilynn Burke, Magnolia Burke, Molly Meckfessel and Amelia Reinheimer.
Zona always regretted not having had the opportunity to attend high school, so in 1970 she took evening classes and earned her GED.
Zona was an active member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church throughout her adult life. She enjoyed reading and traveling. She went for daily walks up until her last days. Zona was devoted to her family, her church and her Lord, and will be dearly missed.
Memorial Visitation at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 765 Lemay Ferry Rd. 63125 on Sat. January 27, 10:30 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Burial private at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY.
I was so sorry to hear of her passing! I have known Jim Drazen and his wife Terri through Metro Community Church for years. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family!