Raymond S. Griesenauer (Poozie), of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at the age of 97. He was the loving husband of the late Gladys J. Griesenauer (nee: Sommer); dear son of the late Raymond W. and Alvina E. Griesenauer. Devoted father of Tonja (Jim) Flannery, Terry Griesenauer, Doug (Amy) Griesenauer, Tracey (Dan) Mertz and Barton (Aynsley) Griesenauer. He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and Five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by six sisters and three brothers.

Poozie was born in his parents’ home, in rural Dardenne Prairie. He was baptized in the Chapel, at Immaculate Conception Dardenne Prairie, and then attended ICD grade school and graduated from Francis Howell High School. After serving in the Army, he began his career in carpentry. In 1954, he married Gladys, to whom he was wed for 63 years.

During the Korean War, Poozie graduated top of his class at the Electronic Warfare Center. As a member of the Army Signal Corp, he was assigned to a team working at Bell Labs from 1952 to 1953. Bell Labs was a hub of innovation after having developed the first transistor in December of 1947. Poozie assisted the team developing a ‘penny matchbox’ radio by testing the antenna. It was a transformational period for battlefield communication, as the US Army developed technological advances of electronic warfare, and changed the way future wars would be fought.

After his Army tenure, Poozie began his longtime career as a carpenter. He was a former owner of O’Fallon Builders. He also worked for various construction companies throughout his career. He was known for being a skilled craftsman with a high level of attention to the smallest detail. He was very proud of the furniture pieces he made for his home and family members.

Poozie was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Dardenne Prairie. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Dardenne Council # 2273, where he was a Third Degree Knight, and served as Grand Knight in the mid 1960’a. He also enjoyed playing horseshoes and dartball with fellow KC Members. Poozie and other local construction workers built the Knights of Columbus Building, which is still in use today.

In his later years, Poozie became an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Fan and spent many hours watching their games.

Poozie has donated his body to Saint Louis University, for research purposes. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Parish Chapel, 7701 Highway N, Dardenne Prairie, MO on December 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Monsignor Ted Wojcicki will be the Celebrant. A Celebration of Life Reception and Dinner will follow immediately afterward in the Immaculate Conception Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Dardenne Prairie; Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis; American Cancer Society or The Alzheimer’s Association.