Lee Michael Hogendobler

Lee Michael Hogendobler, 27, of Waterloo, passed away peacefully Feb. 4, 2013, in Red Bud, from the effects of adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD).
He was born June 6, 1985, in Sikeston, Mo., son of Charlotte Sluis (nee Ivie) and David Hogendobler.
Lee attended Red Bud schools and graduated in 2003 from Red Bud High School. As a senior, he was recognized as “Most Likely to Become a Star” by his fellow classmates. Lee grew up loving sports and as a well-rounded athlete he participated in many organized sports including track, golf, baseball and basketball.
In track, he was a member of the 4×100 and 4×200 RBHS relay team that set school records in those events. The relay team qualified for state in his junior and senior years and had a respectable showing there in each event. In golf, he was very proud of his two holes-in-one and enjoyed playing the sport with friends.
Throughout his life, Lee’s main passion was music; he led bands as a guitarist and vocalist, performing many songs he composed. The band had quite a large following, playing locally and in larger St. Louis area venues.
Lee enjoyed attending family events, vacations and sporting events; he split his loyalties between the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves in baseball, and was an avid Kentucky basketball fan. Fishing was also a favorite pastime of Lee, and he spent many enjoyable hours at it.
He was fortunate to have many loving and caring friends that remained, and will forever, remain, at his side and in their memory.
After high school, Lee attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and later Vatterot College in pursuit of becoming an electrician.
Survivors include his parents Charlotte (Steve) Sluis of Waterloo, and David Hogendobler of Kirkwood, Mo.; half-sister Ciara Hogendobler of Red Bud; maternal grandmother Emma Jean Ivie of East Prairie, Mo.; paternal grandparents Mike and Judy Hogendobler of Villa Ridge; along with several aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of his family.
He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather Otis Ivie, and brother Sam Hogendobler, who he adored and dedicated many things personal to his memory.
Visitation was Feb. 9 at Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud.
A memorial service was Feb. 9 at the funeral home, Rev. Dennis Jones officiating.
Private interment followed at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Red Bud.
Memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America.