Obituaries
Death of Kenneth Eugene Zirges
Kenneth Eugene Zirges, 70 of Staunton, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at 9:30 AM. His memorial services will be held at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton on October 11, 2024. Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 6:30 PM.
He was born in Staunton on December 30, 1953, to Melvin and Ruth (Best) Zirges. He graduated from Worden High School in 1972 and soon began his career at HANO in Mount Olive where he worked for 25 years. After leaving HANO, Kenny started his successful family landscaping business and spent over 15 years working for Farmer Environmental Services before his well-earned retirement.
Kenny married Lynette (Philippe) Zirges in Worden on September 3, 1983. They had two children, Tyler and Marissa. In 2020, Kenny welcomed his first grandchild, Clark Zirges. Kenny cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather.
Kenny was a passionate sportsman, mainly known for his dedication to golf. Rain or shine, you could find him on the Timber Lakes golf course 12 months of the year. His talents also extended to bowling, where he achieved a perfect 300 game in a tournament. A proud San Francisco 49ers fan, Kenny could often be seen in his scarlet red and gold, cheering for his team through the good times and bad. Equally loyal to Mizzou, he proudly supported his children’s alma mater and perhaps no fan was more devoted to Staunton High School girls’ athletics than Kenny.
Beyond sports, Kenny had a gift for making others feel welcome. Whether it was sharing coffee with friends, telling stories at local gatherings, or expertly grilling his famous ribs at the Staunton Rib Fest, Kenny’s joy for life was contagious. His warmth, generosity, and humor were constants in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
For over 40 years, Kenny and his family made cherished memories on their annual trips to Daytona Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed sunny days, great food, and precious time together.
Kenny leaves behind a loving legacy. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lynette; his son, Tyler (Christine) Zirges; his daughter, Marissa Zirges; his beloved grandson, Clark Zirges; and his sister, Mary Ann (Emil) Albrecht.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin & Ruth Zirges. His family & friends will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
In honor of Kenny’s giving spirit, memorials may be made to Adopt-A-Pet of Benld or to the Staunton High School Athletics Department. His life was a testament to love, kindness, and community. His legacy will live on through all who knew him.
Comments
Thomas Michael Pritchard, 57 of Carlinville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at his residence in Carlinville. Tom was born on August 26, 1967, in Carlinville a son of Zane and Clara (Churchill) Pritchard.
He graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1986. Tom never married. Tom worked as maintenance at Carlinville Community School District, Starr Brothers Hog Farm, and the elevators at both Palmyra and Chesterfield.
Tom was a skilled outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter of all game. He also enjoyed hunting for artifacts. He loved making memories with friends through turkey and waterfowl hunting.
Thomas is survived by his brother, Steve Pritchard of Springfield.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathryn Peterson, and his black lab ,Bandit.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be buried next to his parents and sister at Moore cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Davis-Anderson P.O. Box 135 Carlinville, IL 62626 for funeral expenses. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville, is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Barbara Ann Holak, 66 of Springfield, formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab & Health Care Center in Hillsboro. She was born on October 27, 1958, in Staunton the daughter of the late Joe and Gail (Ruckstahl) Holak.
Barb was a 1976 graduate of Staunton High School and was active in track and in the marching band as a flag twirler. After high school, she went to work in the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield until her retirement in 2010. She loved making new friends, playing in dart leagues, taking canoe trips with her many friends, and was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
She is survived by her two sisters, Linda Holak (Dennis) Grammer of Litchfield and Connie Holak (Bob) Zenner of Staunton; two nephews, Shane (Dana) Grammer and Chad (Melissa) Grammer; a great nephew, Easton Grammer; and two great nieces, Dakoda Mix and Rylie Mix, all of Litchfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Coats for Kids, PO Box 157, Litchfield, IL 62056. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
95-year-old Helen Boehler of Litchfield passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:35 a.m. at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center in Decatur on February 27, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1929 in Litchfield the only child of Max E. and Juanita (Bridges) Taylor.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Litchfield Community High School graduating with the class of 1947. She and Charles William Boehler were married by Fr. F.J. Lawler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 27, 1948, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his passing on February 26, 2012.
Through the years, Mrs. Boehler was employed as a receptionist at the old St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Arthur E. Sihler, Claude Anderson, O.D., and Sidney’s Tot and Teen, all in Litchfield. She enjoyed walking, dancing, was a voracious reader and an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. Mrs. Boehler was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the St. Anne’s Society, and a volunteer with the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary.
Mrs. Boehler is survived by daughters, Sue (Greg) Penderghest of Decatur and Marcie (Mark) Hartke of Kirksville, MO; grandchildren, Emily Penderghest of Franklin, IN, Monica Penderghest and Chary Hall of Decatur, and Jared (Kate) Hartke of Pittsburgh, PA; and great-grandson, Reuben Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Father Daniel Willenborg will preside. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Litchfield Public Library or Holy Family Catholic Church. Plummer Funeral Home of Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
