Mary Jo Lavina Buenemann

Mary Jo Buenemann passed away on April 22, 2025. Born in Des Moines, IA on October 26, 1937, she is preceded in death by husband Morris Buenemann, Sr. and parents Joseph and Bertie Kapfer. Mary Jo was the beloved wife of Morris, the loving mother of Morris, Jr. (Barbara), Pamela and Christine (Lawrence), and the proud grandmother of Ryan, Jason, Allison, Eric, Preston and Olivia and great-grandson Levi and great-granddaughter AJ.

Mary Jo was a graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Moving to St. Louis after she and Morris were married and had Morris, Jr. and Pam, she was a homemaker and assisted Morris Sr. with his income tax preparation business. She was a sports mom, supporting her children in their sports and activities and a Sunday school teacher at St. Paul’s UCC in Creve Coeur. She loved the outdoors, particularly fishing. Mary Jo and Morris enjoyed traveling after their children were grown.

Morris and Mary Jo retired to a farm outside Belle, MO where they raised Angus cattle and enjoyed living out in the country. Mary Jo kept all the books and records for their cattle operation. Mary Jo loved her cows and they would come to her, waiting for her to feed them by hand. She preserved the many fruits and vegetables that they grew in their gardens and enjoyed having family visit the farm. Mary Jo always enjoyed music, singing in the choir, playing piano or listening to music at Gasconade Manor.

A celebration of Mary Jo’s life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle, MO. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 11:00, service at 11:00, with reception to follow at the Belle Community Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) or St Paul’s United Church of Christ in Cooper Hill, MO (c/o M. Lange, 1431 Hwy Y, Bland, MO 65014).

Arrangements are under the direction of Sassmann’s Chapel, Belle, MO. (859-3712)

www.sassmannschapel.com