Queenie Lu Mracek (nee Burgess) was born in Augusta, KS on July 9, 1928 to Ralph and Vivian (Purcell) Burgess. She had a younger brother, Ralph Jr. Her father had an eclectic career, including teaching and operating a grocery, that allowed the family to summer near Rocky Mountain National Park for many years, instilling in Queenie a life-long love of the mountains. Estes Park, CO would continue to be a family vacation destination for Queenie all the way through bringing her great-grandchildren for many years.

While attending the University of Kansas as a journalism major, Queenie met Milo Frank Mracek, who was there studying aeronautical engineering, when she was set up with him on a blind date by one of her hallmates. They eloped on August 23,1947 in Lawrence, KS and she moved with him to his hometown of St. Louis upon his graduation in 1949. She would later return to finish her bachelor's degree in journalism many years later. They would have been married 77 years; we are all confident that Milo came to hold her hand as she crossed over.

While Queenie did work outside of the home prior to the birth of her daughter, Ann Michelle Mracek, she is most remembered for being the one that held it all together at home through both incredible challenges and great joy. She supported Milo in his many endeavors, and was always there with a warm breakfast to get first Ann and then her granddaughter, Anna, up and out to school. Her great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her warm wit, gentle humor, pragmatic outlook, gratitude and love made her a true pleasure to be around. She was adored by everyone who knew her and while deeply missed, the advice she shared and the memories made will continue to be a blessing.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann, son-in-law Richard Meritt, granddaughter, Anna Mracek Dietrich, grandson-in-law Carl Dietrich, and her great-grandchildren, Livia Grace (9 yo) and Charles Frank (7 yo) Dietrich.

Visitation at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, Wed. Aug. 28, from 4-8 p.m.