Catherine W. Meier, 99, of Breese, died Tuesday, August 18, 2009 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 8, 1910 in Breese, daughter of Henry and Josephine (Gollner) Bruegge. She married Edward J. "Lefty" Meier on June 21, 1938 at St. Dominic Church in Breese and he preceded her in death on February 23, 1996.

Mrs. Meier is survived by two sons, Paul (Carol) Meier of Chesterfield, MO and Joseph Meier of Breese; four grandchildren, Kathleen (Steve) Ludwig of Salem, William (Debbie) Meier of Breese, Amy (David) Hansfield of Wheaton, and David (Alina) Meier of Breese; 11 great-grandchildren, Alex, Gabrielle and Zachary Ludwig, Liam, Abby and Emmy Meier, Jacob, Noah and Olivia Hansfield, and Hannah and Ashton Meier.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ferdinand "Ferd" Bruegge and Theodore "Ted" Bruegge and two sisters, Marie Heyer and Louise Petermeyer.

Mrs. Meier worked in her father’s furniture store and funeral home before she was married. She later founded the Excel Bottling Company with her husband where she worked to age 99. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her positive attitude was an inspiration to her family and all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2009 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Chuck Tuttle officiating. Burial will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009 and from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. The Daughters of Isabella will pray the rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to All Saints Academy and will be received at the funeral home.