Sergeant Joseph G. Schuengel's funeral

An estimated 2300 family members, friends, and coworkers mourned the loss of Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Joseph G. Schuengel at a funeral service on Wednesday, October 20, 2010. Services took place at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, in St. Louis, MO.

The service paid tribute to Sergeant Schuengel with stories shared by family members, friends, and coworkers. Among those paying tribute to Sergeant Schuengel was Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.  Governor Nixon spoke of the ultimate sacrifice made by Sergeant Schuengel. “We know the pain of losing a brother, a man who lived life to the fullest in service to others. And we share it,” said Governor Nixon. “But we also take heart from that exemplary life. Even as we mourn this tragic loss, we are lifted up by Joe’s spirit and courage.” Governor Nixon also thanked all Missouri State Troopers for the work they do every day.

After the funeral service, the congregation participated in a procession to Resurrection Cemetery. Upon arrival at the cemetery, a bagpipe tribute was played by members of the St. Louis County Police Department and Roger Heard, Missouri State Highway Patrol Chief Radio Operator, Troop H. Following a few remarks from Father James Gray, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Maple Wood (parish of Joe’s mother), and Father Leo Spezia, Patrol Chaplain, and the flag-folding ceremony, Colonel Ronald K. Replogle, superintendent of the Patrol, presented a Missouri flag to Sergeant Schuengel's mother, Georgiana Schuengel. The lonely notes of "Taps" were played and an aircraft flyover was conducted. All law enforcement officers stood at attention for a final radio call of 10-42, to mark the end of Sergeant Schuengel's watch.

Sergeant Schuengel served the citizens of Missouri for 17 years. He began his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 1993, as a member of the 66th Recruit Class.

“For 17 years, Sergeant Joe Schuengel faithfully served the citizens of the state of Missouri, risking his life to ensure that all of us were safer," said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt. "Like all the men and women of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Sergeant Schuengel understood the dangers he faced each day and accepted them to make Missouri a better place. I thank Sergeant Schuengel’s family for his brave service. They are in my thoughts and prayers.”

On Friday, October 15, 2010, at approximately 11:10 a.m. Sergeant Joseph G. Schuengel, the pilot for Troop C, Weldon Spring, was returning to Spirit of St. Louis Airport after completing an aircraft speed enforcement operation in Jefferson County when the Bell Jet Ranger helicopter he was piloting crashed near the intersection of Clarkson and Kehrs Mill Road, in St. Louis County. Sergeant Schuengel was pronounced dead at the scene. Sergeant Schuengel is survived by his mother and three sisters. Sergeant Schuengel is the 29th member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to die in the line of duty.

“The Patrol family and the state of Missouri has suffered a tremendous loss,” said Colonel Ronald K. Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “We mourn with Joe's family and co-workers. Our continued thoughts and prayers are extended to the Schuengel family.”

Memorial contributions may be made to The MASTERS (Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society), 5287 Highway 67 North, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Governor Jay Nixon remembers Sgt. Joseph G. Schuengel.

Members of the Troop C Honor Guard prepare Sergeant Schuengel's casket for transport to cemetery.

Law enforcement officers look on while pallbearers carry Sergeant Schuengel to the hearse.

Graveside ceremony for Sergeant Joseph G. Schuengel.

Troop C's Honor Guard folds Missouri flag in preparation for presentation to Sergeant Schuengel's mother, Georgiana Schuengel.