Leonard Martin Mirly was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
He was the beloved husband of Dorothea “Dotty” Mirly (nee Arbeiter), whom he married on August 17, 1958. Together, they celebrated 68 wonderful years of marriage.
He was the devoted father of Vickie (John) Auer, Kathy (Gary) Hotz, Scott (Nancy) Mirly, Todd (Susan) Mirly, and the late Bradley Mirly; adoring grandfather of Michelle (Peter) Waters, Taryn (Brandon) Ballance, Tori (Trent) Morledge, Zak Mirly, Cody (Katelyn) Mirly, Caleb (Kalin) Mirly, Kate (Samuel) Lohman, and Abby (Jacob) Reuter; and cherished great-grandfather of Tatum Morledge, Cutler Mirly, Colton Mirly, Lane Mirly, Chase Mirly, and Samson Reuter.
He was the dear son of the late Martin and Phoebe Mirly (nee Winter); loving brother of the late Elton (Nelda) Mirly, Viona (Herb) Koenig, and Butch Mirly, who is survived by his wife, Laverne. He was also a dear uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Leonard was born on January 16, 1935, in New Wells, Missouri and raised on his family’s farm in New Wells. He was baptized into the Christian faith on January 27, 1935 and later reaffirmed his faith through Holy Confirmation on April 10, 1949, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells.
Len graduated from Jackson High School in Jackson, Missouri, in 1953. He continued his education at Concordia Lutheran Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Education.
He devoted many years to Lutheran education as both a teacher and principal, touching the lives of countless children in Jacob and Hinsdale, Illinois. Eventually, Len and Dotty moved their family to Kirkwood, Missouri, where they made their home. He continued his teaching career in the Parkway School District at Mason Ridge Elementary School, where he spent the remainder of his career as a fifth-grade teacher. His love of teaching left a lasting impression on generations of children.
Len was an active and devoted member of Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens, where he faithfully served his church and congregation in many capacities throughout the years. His love of teaching continued beyond the classroom as he led children’s sermons during Sunday worship services, sharing his faith with young children to grow in their relationship with the Lord. He also served as an elder and generously gave his time through the Shepherd’s Ministry, assisting others with their needs and appointments.
Family was at the center of Len’s life, and he found great joy in being part of his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He spent many years coaching his children’s sports teams and continued to show his support and enthusiasm by cheering on his grandchildren at countless sporting events. He was also a loyal Lutheran South Lancer fan and enjoyed attending their athletic events throughout the years.
Sports were a lifelong passion for Len, especially baseball. He enjoyed playing the game and played second base for his college team at River Forest. He remained a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, cheering on his team year after year. Following retirement, he enjoyed spending many days on the golf course with friends, playing courses throughout the St. Louis area.
In addition to his love of family, faith, and sports, Len had a green thumb and took great pride in his yard and garden. He enjoyed tending to his flowers, caring for his plants, and making sure his yard looked beautiful. Whether in the classroom, on the ball field, at church, on the golf course, or in his own backyard, Len found joy in the simple things and in the people who surrounded him.
Len will be remembered for his steadfast faith, his dedication to teaching, his love of family, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His legacy lives on in the children he taught, the people he served, the family he cherished, and the many friends who were blessed to know him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are greatly appreciated.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at Lutheran Church of Webster Gardens (8749 Watson Rd., 63119) on Thursday, November 5th, from 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM, with the funeral service beginning at 2:30 PM. Interment at Park Lawn Cemetery.