During this past year, interviews were conducted with some of our parishioners, to discover both their memories of parish life through the years and the characterists of parish life they encounter most often. Below are short excerpts and links to the full written document for each interview.
Betty Elmendorf was part of the last class at St. Peter High school where she met her high school sweetheart. She excelled in hospitality, introducing some of our current tradions. She was instrumental in beginning the first fish fry. She talked about the people at the fish fries and parishioners who are like a community; like a family. When asked for details, she said the choir is beautiful and the church is beautifully decorated, especially at Christmas and Easter. Full Interview
Jan and Joe Haug embody what it means to be deeply rooted in St. Peter Parish. Jan can trace her roots back three generations on her mom's side. A relative was one of the first priests here at St. Peter, and her great-great-grandparents are buried in our cemetery. Jan and Joe taught at rival high schools, St. Dominic and Duchesne – proof that good people fill every corner of Catholic education. (Since St. Peter High School became Duchesne, we're a little biased, but we know how much Joe and Jan have contributed over the years, in time, energy, and love.)
Their lives also carry moments of providence. Jan had planned to be a stay-at-home mom, but God had other plans for her. He also protected their family when lightning struck their house and burned it to the ground. Another cherished memory shines on the friends they made by choosing to go to breakfast after Mass one morning, unexpectedly joining a table of parishioners, with friendships that still last.
Jan and Joe have given decades of service, through work in Appalachia, a very poor county in Kentucky, and St. Vincent de Paul. Joe said, ”There’s value in making contact with people, whether it’s delivering Christmas baskets or making contact with the people that live in Appalachia. You can see how appreciative people are.”
Their friendships grew through the St. Anne Sodality, SVDP, and Catholic school families. Jan summed it up with gratitude, “they are so generous, loving, and kind. We are lucky that we landed here.” Full Interview
Nancy Bircher and her husband’s journey to St. Peter began with persistence. They were assigned to three Catholic parishes in two years, back when the Archdiocese was strict about parish boundaries. (So glad we have more freedom today.) Nancy and David petitioned the Archdiocese to join a 4th parish, St. Peter. Once they arrived, Nancy poured her gifts fully into parish life. She taught at St. Peter grade school, held the title of Coordinator of Religious Education, and started the RCIA program.
Eventually, Nancy gave tours of St. Peter, introducing others to the rich symbolism woven throughout St. Peter’s architecture and artwork. (Want to read a little about the symbols prevalent everywhere at St. Peter? Read her interview.) Reflecting on the restoration process of the church, she thought, “How could the church be more beautiful but they made it more beautiful. It was all in praise and honor of God.” She described Saint Peter Church as, “home: the beauty, love, history, and community.” Full Interview
Roger Gronefeld’s connection to St. Peter began before his childhood. His mom went to St. Peter grade school and though his parents' ancestors were from the same hometown, they emigrated to different states at different times. (Coincidence or God-incidence?)
Like Betty, Roger was part of the last class at St. Peter High School. He jokes that he was more surprised that the school was open than that it would close, recalling falling ceiling plaster and a radiator mishap.
His memories stretch across eras: working at The Tavern in 1929, the family business selling "near beer" during prohibition. Roger also worked at the gas station next door after school - common at the time, when even priests sometimes drove the school bus. He also shared stories of the Depression, World War II, and even a quip about being "the only survivor of the Civil War."
Later, Roger helped plan the chapel installation and recognized the need for a parish center. Did you know that once upon a time, RCIA met over in the hospital and there were times when someone had to lug a TV and VCR across the street? (They were neither flat screens nor were they light weight.)
Today, he sees many new parishioners and credits the parish's strong presence. “It looks and feels like a church.” As a Eucharistic Minister, he notices many teens and young adults engaged in their faith, supported by "very good young priests" and our OCIA (RCIA) program. “Kids who come here and go to RCIA are very dedicated.” He said the internet helps and also Deacon Larry. Roger stated, “It’s like a community, like a family. It’s been a pleasure to be here.” Full Interview
Sonia Willbrand is 100% Lebanese. Her dad emigrated from Syria (now Lebanon). Among her extended family is a canonized saint -St. Sharbel Makhluf, whose feast day is July 24th. Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Sonia met St. Charles native Tom Willbrand when he was in the Army stationed nearby. After marrying him and he was discharged from the Army, they moved to St. Charles.
Tom became one of the first permanent deacons ordained in this Archdiocese, a vocation that shaped their family’s life for decades. He baptized 500 babies and witnessed 200 weddings -sacred moments that Sonia remembers with joy and pride. Deacon Tom passed away in 2024 after almost 68 years of marriage.
The most cherished memories at St. Peter are the sacraments within their own family: the weddings of their children and the baptisms of each new generation. They also enjoyed how the priests and people were so warm at Saint Peter. It was and remains a true community. Full Interview
Russ and Pam Roeber’s journey to St. Peter began far from here. Both grew up in South Dakota, with Pam living just 35 miles from Mount Rushmore. They met on a blind date in the fall of senior year of college, married the following August, and eventually settled in St. Charles five years later. Both their daughters attended St. Peter School for K-8th and received some of their sacraments here.
Service has always been central to Russ and Pam. They’ve volunteered wherever they were needed - sports, ushering, church linens, or helping with picnics, fish fries, or rummage sales. Russ wasn’t catholic, but he attended Mass with his family and pitched in his share. Eventually, God knocked on his heart enough times, Russ was confirmed Catholic in 2004 by Bishop Naumann who later also confirmed their youngest grandson in Kansas City, a full-circle moment they treasure.
Without extended family nearby, the parish community became their support system. They’ve become great friends with the parents at the school and with church members. Pam stated, “That’s one of the great blessings of getting involved, getting to know people, and doing things and really feeling that bond that you do worship in the same location with people with the same beliefs. It’s very powerful.” Pam described Saint Peter as a “church family. It holds a special place in our hearts.” Full Interview
Wilfred Wappelhorst’s ancestors may have been founding members, and the family still owns the farm just north of St. Charles along the Missouri River. His childhood at St. Peter School was filled with Sisters of Notre Dame in sweeping black habits, baseball games on the steep slope of Jackson Street, and a disastrous first attempt at soccer that looked more like “twenty or thirty boys kicking mud”. During World War II, the parish collected metal for ammunition – pots, pans, boilers, and even cars – and boys once pushed a donated car across the parking lot, though the “joyride” was quickly terminated.
Wilfred's nephew, Dennis Wappelhorst’s maternal grandfather and great grandfather were stone masons. They built the sanctuary around 1923 and the rectory in 1940. Dennis also attended St. Peter School with the habit-clad Sisters. Monthly confession was scary – going in a door and a mysterious priest – yet faith anchored everything, from 40 Hours of Adoration with aching knees as a server on the high altar, Latin responses, to the grandeur of High Mass with candles blazing.
Then there was the joy: the Pentecost Picnic, a grand procession winding through town to Blanchette Park, ending with hot dogs, chicken dinners, and a lot of fun.
Wappelhorst Park was named after Wilfred’s brother.
Fr. Christopher Wapelhorst built the church in 1861, but he was no relation to Wilfred or Dennis.
Wilfred and Dennis both described Saint Peter parish like a family. Full Interview
The Zeisler’s parents married at St. Peter in 1934, their mom fluent in French from Quebec roots, their dad later laid to rest in the first hand-dug grave by Mike Hanon. The brothers’ memories span tanks rolling down Clay Street during World War II and the sweet reward of coffee cake or doughnuts waiting on classroom windowsills until after Mass. All the Zeisler brothers are daily Mass goers, having been taught that “we should go to church every time the bell rings.” For a High Mass, there would be four servers, twelve torch bearers, Choristers (the boys’ choir), and the priests. The altar would be loaded with people. Gregg, Jim, and Gene went to St. Peter High School. Tom attended St. Peter for two years before Duchesne opened. They walked to St. Peter High School, where 1950’s centennial skits shook Gregg’s front teeth loose, Tom played Catholic League basketball, and classmates included future World Series pitcher Ken Heintzelman. Tom, however, had to catch rides to Duchesne because there was no bus. Sundays brought slow-moving traffic past the St. Charles Dairy store where Gregg and Jim worked—so slow customers could buy ice cream and catch their car before it crept away. Lent was strict, Holy Week solemn, with statues shrouded in purple and Good Friday draped in black. Yet joy broke through at the Pentecost Picnic, a parade of schoolchildren, music, and dancing in Blanchette Park. The Zeislers’ quiet devotion still lights St. Peter today. Full Interview
Karen Zerr’s great grandparents joined St. Peter in 1860. Though not founding members, they were instrumental in building the church. Her maternal great grandfather John Jeremiah Buse was a cabinet maker. So was her grandfather Arthur Wilke. John Jeremiah Buse also wrote about St. Charles; some books are still in print today.
During her school years, she made lifelong friends that she still gets together with. There was always a parade at the end of the school year from Saint Peter to Blanchette Park. It went past Saint Charles Borromeo, up Randolph, and then to the park. People made banners and hats and the streets were closed; people lined up and watched. Karen was one of the tallest kids in class and often carried the banner. At the park, they had a picnic, bingo and rides. Karen said, “It was a big deal and great fun. I miss it.”
Jack Zerr and Karen both attended St. Peter as freshmen and Duchesne as sophomores; Hitchhike corner was the intersection of Kingshighway and Clay Street. He was dropped off there in the morning and walked to Duchesne. One afternoon in 1958, Jack caught a ride home from school in a blue ’55 Ford convertible. Just before Elm Street, he saw a girl walking in uniform, sweater and books in hand. “That’s when Cupid shot his arrow right into my gizzard,” he said. Karen laughs, “Cupid’s arrow only went one way!”
Jack’s life took him far from home. “I was Shanghaied into the Navy by my own dad,” he joked. Enlisting just before his 18th birthday, he intended to serve the minimum service, just over three years. He entered in 1959 and retired in 1993. He served aboard ships where priests were rare, and faith had to adapt. Masses were sometimes celebrated on helicopter decks, and when there wasn’t a priest, somebody would lead lay services, recite Bible verses, and they’d pray the rosary on Sunday morning. There were always 30 seconds of evening prayer over the MC (ship’s announcing system). Jack stated, “It was enough to keep the faith alive for those willing to put in a few minutes a week.”
Jack told a story about their wedding. He was standing outside church by himself by the side door. Suddenly, a “divine voice” told Jack to go into the church. A pigeon pooped right where he had been. Jack said, “The biggest pigeon with the biggest case of diarrhea splattered the sidewalk right where I’d been standing.”
They both agreed that the church is the hub of the community. Full Interview
Gertie took us through her memories of World War II. She remembers students parading outside to say the pledge of Allegiance, sitting in double desks with the smartest girl, and rationing that shaped daily life - short, narrow skirts due to limited fabric; tin toothpaste tubes collected for recycling; and makeup that disappeared entirely. Even in hardship, generosity was constant; she recalls her sister giving up shoe stamps so a friend could have new shoes for her wedding.
Gertie enjoyed helping the nuns in the church every Saturday, beginning in fourth grade and continuing, assisting with church cleaning and sacristy care-work she loved. She watched the parish evolve physically over the years: Saint Peter grade school was in the current 1924 school building. Saint Peter High School was where the handicapped parking is alongside the church. The old convent was where the chapel currently is. The parish center was all houses. People couldn’t play or park there. The current church parking lot used to have about three homes located at First Capitol and Second.
Did you know? The St. Peter school had a two-lane bowling alley and a bar in the basement.
Her stories reflect another era of parish liturgical life as well- High Masses with incense, Solemn High Mass when priests carried the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament under a canopy, and the reverence of Latin. Gertie didn’t like the Vatican II changes at first, other than she loved the Mass being celebrated in English. Through it all, St. Peter remained “the most beautiful church I’ve seen, even the Basilica.”
Bonus: She once rode to the hospital in a hearse. Full Interview
Jeneanne Niggemeier carries the story of St. Peter Parish not just in memory, but literally on her bookshelf-she owns the 25th, 50th, and 100th anniversary parish history books. Her family’s experience reflects the complex times in which she grew up: during World War II, when German heritage caused fear and suspicion. Her family even dropped an “n” from their name to appear “less German.” She remembers various neighbors giving her a ride to school; one in an old model T, embarrassing! She walked home. Her future husband Joe also walked to school, even walking past St. Charles Borromeo to attend the German church.
Her memories of parish life are vivid: 40 hours devotion, each class assigned their own hour, even on Saturday. They could only come as a family at the opening and closing. The 100-year anniversary pageant her dad led; every class had a scene. She and Joe raised their children in the same environment, sending them to Duchesne, encouraging volunteerism, and watching as each of their four children met and married fellow Duchesne graduates. They were gratified for the investment in Catholic schools.
Joe modeled faithful service when Joe retired at 60. He volunteered at fish fries. He ushered and always wore a suit and tie. He was part of the Thursday’s Men’s Maintenance Group that does odd jobs around campus. He passed away roughly 10 years ago.
Jeneanne still misses the Communion rail that came down after Vatican II. She misses the pomp and formality, even as she’s glad to be able to eat before Mass rather than fast from midnight until after Mass.
Overall, Jeneanne would describe St. Peter as a community with good friends here. Full Interview
Jason and Camie Dickherber bring a blend of youthful energy and deep appreciation for tradition to St. Peter. Though they’re not Irish, they still mark St. Patrick’s Day in honor of their childhood churches – St. Patrick and St. Brendan. They met at the Newman Center in Rolla in 2008, and they love seeing Lindenwood students now finding the same spiritual home here and at Lindwood Student Center. It’s so nice to see.”
Their marriage began with intentionality – symbolized by a drawing Jason made for Camie early in their relationship. With each major life milestone, he adds another color; it now hands proudly in their home. Living away from extended family at first taught them to depend on one another and others, building community.
When they were searching for a parish after moving, Fr. Seper simply told them, “this is the place to be. It’s settled.” They quickly saw the truth of that through the love, prayer, and beautiful traditions of the clergy and parishioners.
Homeschooling has become part of their family’s rhythm, re-discerned each year. They appreciate the parish’s strong support, providing guidance, materials, and socialization. The pastoral team is supportive of sacramental teaching by the parents. PSR is an option, but not a requirement. Sundays often find them on the playground with other families, joined by priests, transitional deacons, and seminarians fielding questions from curious children.
Camie oversees Sunday School. She identified the need for a walking Stations of the Cross during Lent. She started a mom’s group, which is now in its fourth year. Any mom of any age is welcome. There are generally eight to ten moms attending any given meeting, but the group includes 25-40 moms.
Jason works the fish fries with some of their children, and he started a men’s bible study that meets in homes. He and Camie describe volunteering as creating community. Their message to fellow parishioners is simple: invest in relationships-with peers and neighbors. Full Interview
Matthew Wuesthoff knows what it’s like to lose a spiritual home. All the parishes that Matthew had a connection with (in North County) eventually closed. “It’s a point of grief. I can’t go back to my home parish.” When he moved to St. Charles County for work, St. Peter immediately resonated. The historic church, founded in 1850, felt like the stability he’d lost. Kelley, raised at Holy Infant in Ballwin, also found St. Peter felt like home. “People are genuine”, she said, struck by the devotion she sees simply by watching parishioners pray. The pull is so strong that when they do travel, they can’t go more than two weeks before returning home.
The Marriage Preparation at St. Peter grounded them in not planning a wedding day, but embracing a sacrament and a lifelong vocation. Today, Matthew stays involved in St. Vincent de Paul. They both love the Christmas Basket delivery – an experience they find joyful. Volunteers put together baskets with food, gift cards, meat, and supplies based on how many people live in the household. Kelley frequents adoration, “seeking out what is most important, which is Jesus.”
For both Matthew and Kelly, St. Peter is a place of reassurance – rooted in history, steady in mission, and rich in welcome. “Be assured,” they said, “that this is a parish with a long-standing history and will be around for a long time. Welcome home.” Full Interview