June Benedick
on 08/28/2026 at 1:44 pm
Angie and family, sending our deepest sympathy to all the Kinzinger family.
ReplyCaleb Kinzinger
Caleb Muyang Kinzinger, 23, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord in an accident on August 27, 2026. His family, friends, and the many communities he was part of are heartbroken by the loss of an incredibly kind, caring young man whose life was far too short, but we rejoice that he is now WALKING the streets of heaven, joyful and whole.
Caleb had a remarkable way of making people feel cared for. He was known for his smile, his kindness, and his willingness to do whatever he could to make someone else’s day a little better. He gave generously of his time and talents and found purpose in serving the Lord by serving others.
Caleb was a 2025 graduate of Southwestern Illinois College’s Sign Language Interpreter Training Program. During his time at SWIC, he served as president of Sign Club and became an important part of the interpreting and Deaf community. Graduation did not end those relationships. Caleb remained closely connected with his instructors and the program, returning to visit, encourage, and mentor current students.
He had begun his career as an American Sign Language interpreter and was excited about everything that lay ahead of him. Just one week before his death, Caleb learned that he had passed the Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment (EIPA), an accomplishment of which he was incredibly proud. He was able to celebrate that achievement with the people who had supported him and to experience the outpouring of congratulations and love from his community. In his final days, Caleb was excitedly talking about his results, his plans, and what was coming next. He had worked hard to build a future he was proud of, and he was just getting started.
Caleb’s desire to serve others extended into nearly every part of his life. He attended First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, where he taught fourth-grade Sunday School for five years and played an important role in establishing the church’s Deaf ministry. He also volunteered with Buddy Break, a respite ministry serving children with disabilities and their families.
Caleb worked as an interpreter for the St. Louis School District and also worked at Dollar Tree in Freeburg. He was involved in 4-H throughout his childhood and later as an adult volunteer. He remained active in the Freeburg Men’s Bible that his dad founded many years ago.
Caleb’s life was shaped by perseverance, compassion, faith, service, and a genuine desire to connect with others. At only 23, he had already accomplished so much and had touched more lives than he likely ever realized. Those who loved him will remember not only what Caleb achieved, but the person he was while achieving it: someone showed up, stayed connected, helped when help was needed, and cared deeply for the people around him. Most of all, he loved Jesus and wanted those around him to know and love him too.
Caleb was preceded in death by his father, Russell Kinzinger; his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Vera Kinzinger; and his maternal grandfather, Larry Webb.
He is survived by his mother, Angie Kinzinger; his maternal grandmother, Jean Webb; and his siblings, Erin (Taylor, Miles, and Joel) Wylie, Audrey (Ken) Hodges, Lauren Kinzinger, Samuel Kinzinger, Jason Kinzinger, Joshua (Caroline) Kinzinger, and Jeremy Kinzinger. He is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, friends, classmates, colleagues, and members of the Deaf and interpreting communities who became an important part of Caleb’s life.
Caleb, we are so proud of you. We are grateful for the time we had with you, and we will miss you more than words can say.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Caleb’s honor to DEAF, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind community, or to Christian Action, an organization that held a special place in Caleb’s story, having sponsored his surgery in China before he was adopted. Donations may be made at deafinc.org/donate or christian-action.org.hk/en/article/fundraising/donation-us-donors.
Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com
Visitation: Friends may call at First Baptist Church,1111 East Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL on Monday, August 31, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 from 9:30am to 10:30am.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church,1111 East Highway 50, O’Fallon, IL on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 10:30am with Pastor Doug Munton officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held in Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.
25 Comments
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Sara on 08/28/2026 at 2:05 pm
This past Sunday during church service, I watched Caleb sign the words to each worship song and was amazed. My eyes were not on the choir, but on him. I was amazed at how he signed every song, knew every word, and kept up with the sermon so beautifully. I came home and told my husband about it, because it stood out. I told him how amazing it was to have that interpreter service offered at church: I didn’t know we had that before! The way that he made sure all people could experience the sermon and receive the word of God was moving.
Well done, Caleb. To witness your last Sunday sermon was incredibly special. Rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
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Mike Trout on 08/28/2026 at 2:21 pm
I’ll always remember him and his brother. I was on the security team for VBS a couple years in the summer before we moved to the mountains of Tennessee. He was so nice and kind. The last time I saw him was this last May 2026 when we were in the area and decided to visit Ofallon Baptist church. I know he’ll be missed and remembered by many of us for years to come. I’m hoping I’ll see him when I get to heaven. What a reunion we will have. Have a good time in heaven till I get there my friend.
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Gary and Karen Voelker on 08/28/2026 at 2:39 pm
Angie,
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We are so sorry to hear of Caleb’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. -
Christine Davis on 08/28/2026 at 3:38 pm
We are so sad to hear this! Caleb helped to teach all three of my boys when they were in 4th grade. We are forever grateful for his faithfulness and the imprint he left on our family. May the Lord bring unceasing comfort to your family.
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Donna/Brian Goodwin on 08/28/2026 at 4:30 pm
Values
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Donna/Brian goodwin on 08/28/2026 at 4:50 pm
He will be missed, he was a caring, nice, helpful, Young man, he helped out a lot at church with a lot of different activities, heread the bibel to thespecial needs children , he was one great young man, he taught me and others how to do different things sign language skills, he is Heaven now and does not have to use his crutches to walk anymore, God says well done my young searvement, welcome home forever and we all know one day we will see his happy, always smiling , helpful, nice young man, II am glad to have gotten to know him and have him as a good friend, prayers and hugs for his Angie and his family
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Donna on 08/28/2026 at 5:20 pm
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Joni jones on 08/28/2026 at 5:37 pm
I am praying for you. I am so very sorry.
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Jeff and Konnie Gordon on 08/28/2026 at 7:00 pm
Dear Dr. Angie, we are so very sorry for the loss of your amazing son!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! 🙏
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Konnie and Jeff Gordon -
Jonathan Griffin on 08/28/2026 at 9:36 pm
On behalf of Carnahan STEAM Middle School, we want send our condolences to the family. Although it was a short time, Caleb made a lasting impact on the school community. Submitted by Principal Jonathan Griffin of Carnahan STEAM Middle School.
Reply
4041 S Broadway
Saint Louis, Missouri 63118 -
Christy Cull on 08/29/2026 at 8:20 am
Oh, we are so so sad to hear of this loss. Caleb was such a vibrant and wonderful young man. He blessed us so much through teaching our boys in Sunday School and we will miss seeing him. Praying fervently for all who loved him and ache for him.
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Henry Martin on 08/29/2026 at 8:23 am
Our prayers are with you at this time. May all our love for you in Christ Jesus surround all of you along with His presence. Our words cannot express such a feeling of loss but God’s word will shine a light on the path that has been set before you.
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Adam Kinzinger on 08/29/2026 at 10:09 am
Gosh. The extended Kinzinger family sends our condolences
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Carmen Schiffmann on 08/29/2026 at 11:47 am
Dear Angie,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Caleb Muyang’s passing. We had the privilege of knowing Muyang in Hong Kong. He was such a sweet and cheerful child. We will always remember him.
Our deepest sympathy to your family. You will be in our prayers.
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Dawn Alabaugh on 08/29/2026 at 2:16 pm
Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends so sad to hear this news but I know Caleb is probably dancing with dad and grandparents in heaven 🙏🏻🙏🏻. Sure will miss your smiling face when we visit the family ❤️❤️🙏🏻
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David and Katie Mitchell on 08/29/2026 at 2:30 pm
Angie and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Caleb’s passing, I know he was a blessing to your family and many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Mary Ellen Banes on 08/30/2026 at 9:25 am
Angie and family I am truly sorry to hear of Caleb’s passing. I never had the honor of knowing him but know if he was a child of yours he was remarkable in everything he did. My prayers are with all of you. God will watch over you
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Bruce and Traci Nolan on 08/30/2026 at 7:39 pm
Our hearts are broken for all of you. He was such a remarkable young man and such a beautiful example of faith, love, and service.
We pray that God will surround your family with His comfort and peace.
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We are so very sorry for your loss. -
Natalie on 08/31/2026 at 11:39 am
I’m so sorry to hear about Caleb. He was such an inspirational person, he left a standing impact on everyone he’s interacted with.
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Marshata Caradine on 08/31/2026 at 5:01 pm
Honoring Mr. Caleb,
Me. Caleb was known.
Mr. Caleb was respected.
Mr. Caleb was appreciated.
Mr. Caleb was valued.
Mr. Caleb was needed.
Mr. Caleb was an Educator.
Mr. Caleb interpreted not only for the hearing impaired but for those who found themselves overcome with life’s tests, trials, and tribulations on this life’s journey.
Mr. Caleb relied upon his crutches to uphold himself while simultaneously encouraging us abled bodies to appreciate our freedom from needing assistance with walking or standing.
If you ever wondered what a bibliophile looked like, Mr. Caleb was that unapologetically.
Mr. Caleb always had a book and was reading, he was our example of the importance of being literate.
Everyday Mr. Caleb wore a sweater and it reminded me of Mr. Fred Rogers and how he always had his mother wrapped around him.
Mr. Caleb’s sweater spoke of his kindness, compassion, love of children, appreciation and the respect he had for his career.
Mr. Caleb assured our differently need students and exceptional learners that they belonged, there was a place for them, they weren’t alone, they were supported and had greatness to contribute to our education community.
I end with the poignant words of Mr Fred Rogers that sums up Mr. Caleb……
“Part of the problem with the word ‘disabilities’ is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who can’t feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of people who aren’t able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find fulfillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities.”
He contributed, impacted and made a difference in the education profession.
He will be missed!
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Betty White on 09/01/2026 at 7:32 pm
So very sorry to hear this Dr Angie and family. Sending prayers for comfort and peace. 🙏🙏🙏
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Danny Walls on 09/02/2026 at 8:11 am
I am so sad to hear about Caleb’s passing but I rejoice that he is whole in the presence of King Jesus! Caleb was such a blessing in my life and a leader in our student ministry. The Kinzinger family has always “been Jesus” for so many people and a witness of living out your faith in word and deed. I pray God brings peace to all of you and an excitement of one day reuniting with Caleb and our Lord.
Phil 4:6-7
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Judy J Hand on 09/04/2026 at 5:15 pm
To Angie and Family, my deepest sympathies on your tremendous loss. It is a loss no parent ever wants to experience. I’m so sorry you are having to do just that. You will be in my prayers.
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Kevin Ross on 09/08/2026 at 10:48 pm
I didn’t know him all that well, but you didn’t have to to know what kind of person he was. His smile was contagious, and he brought joy and happiness everywhere he went. A truly outstanding young man who will be missed by so many.
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I didn’t know him all that well, but you didn’t have to to know what kind of person he was. His smile was contagious, and he brought joy and happiness everywhere he went. A truly outstanding young man who will be missed by so many.
To Angie and Family, my deepest sympathies on your tremendous loss. It is a loss no parent ever wants to experience. I’m so sorry you are having to do just that. You will be in my prayers.
I am so sad to hear about Caleb’s passing but I rejoice that he is whole in the presence of King Jesus! Caleb was such a blessing in my life and a leader in our student ministry. The Kinzinger family has always “been Jesus” for so many people and a witness of living out your faith in word and deed. I pray God brings peace to all of you and an excitement of one day reuniting with Caleb and our Lord.
Phil 4:6-7
So very sorry to hear this Dr Angie and family. Sending prayers for comfort and peace. 🙏🙏🙏
Honoring Mr. Caleb,
Me. Caleb was known.
Mr. Caleb was respected.
Mr. Caleb was appreciated.
Mr. Caleb was valued.
Mr. Caleb was needed.
Mr. Caleb was an Educator.
Mr. Caleb interpreted not only for the hearing impaired but for those who found themselves overcome with life’s tests, trials, and tribulations on this life’s journey.
Mr. Caleb relied upon his crutches to uphold himself while simultaneously encouraging us abled bodies to appreciate our freedom from needing assistance with walking or standing.
If you ever wondered what a bibliophile looked like, Mr. Caleb was that unapologetically.
Mr. Caleb always had a book and was reading, he was our example of the importance of being literate.
Everyday Mr. Caleb wore a sweater and it reminded me of Mr. Fred Rogers and how he always had his mother wrapped around him.
Mr. Caleb’s sweater spoke of his kindness, compassion, love of children, appreciation and the respect he had for his career.
Mr. Caleb assured our differently need students and exceptional learners that they belonged, there was a place for them, they weren’t alone, they were supported and had greatness to contribute to our education community.
I end with the poignant words of Mr Fred Rogers that sums up Mr. Caleb……
“Part of the problem with the word ‘disabilities’ is that it immediately suggests an inability to see or hear or walk or do other things that many of us take for granted. But what of people who can’t feel? Or talk about their feelings? Or manage their feelings in constructive ways? What of people who aren’t able to form close and strong relationships? And people who cannot find fulfillment in their lives, or those who have lost hope, who live in disappointment and bitterness and find in life no joy, no love? These, it seems to me, are the real disabilities.”
He contributed, impacted and made a difference in the education profession.
He will be missed!
I’m so sorry to hear about Caleb. He was such an inspirational person, he left a standing impact on everyone he’s interacted with.
Our hearts are broken for all of you. He was such a remarkable young man and such a beautiful example of faith, love, and service.
We pray that God will surround your family with His comfort and peace.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Angie and family I am truly sorry to hear of Caleb’s passing. I never had the honor of knowing him but know if he was a child of yours he was remarkable in everything he did. My prayers are with all of you. God will watch over you
Angie and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Caleb’s passing, I know he was a blessing to your family and many others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends so sad to hear this news but I know Caleb is probably dancing with dad and grandparents in heaven 🙏🏻🙏🏻. Sure will miss your smiling face when we visit the family ❤️❤️🙏🏻
Dear Angie,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Caleb Muyang’s passing. We had the privilege of knowing Muyang in Hong Kong. He was such a sweet and cheerful child. We will always remember him.
Our deepest sympathy to your family. You will be in our prayers.
Gosh. The extended Kinzinger family sends our condolences
Our prayers are with you at this time. May all our love for you in Christ Jesus surround all of you along with His presence. Our words cannot express such a feeling of loss but God’s word will shine a light on the path that has been set before you.
Oh, we are so so sad to hear of this loss. Caleb was such a vibrant and wonderful young man. He blessed us so much through teaching our boys in Sunday School and we will miss seeing him. Praying fervently for all who loved him and ache for him.
On behalf of Carnahan STEAM Middle School, we want send our condolences to the family. Although it was a short time, Caleb made a lasting impact on the school community. Submitted by Principal Jonathan Griffin of Carnahan STEAM Middle School.
4041 S Broadway
Saint Louis, Missouri 63118
Dear Dr. Angie, we are so very sorry for the loss of your amazing son!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! 🙏
Konnie and Jeff Gordon
I am praying for you. I am so very sorry.
Angie,
Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
He will be missed, he was a caring, nice, helpful, Young man, he helped out a lot at church with a lot of different activities, heread the bibel to thespecial needs children , he was one great young man, he taught me and others how to do different things sign language skills, he is Heaven now and does not have to use his crutches to walk anymore, God says well done my young searvement, welcome home forever and we all know one day we will see his happy, always smiling , helpful, nice young man, II am glad to have gotten to know him and have him as a good friend, prayers and hugs for his Angie and his family
Values
We are so sad to hear this! Caleb helped to teach all three of my boys when they were in 4th grade. We are forever grateful for his faithfulness and the imprint he left on our family. May the Lord bring unceasing comfort to your family.
Angie,
We are so sorry to hear of Caleb’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I’ll always remember him and his brother. I was on the security team for VBS a couple years in the summer before we moved to the mountains of Tennessee. He was so nice and kind. The last time I saw him was this last May 2026 when we were in the area and decided to visit Ofallon Baptist church. I know he’ll be missed and remembered by many of us for years to come. I’m hoping I’ll see him when I get to heaven. What a reunion we will have. Have a good time in heaven till I get there my friend.
This past Sunday during church service, I watched Caleb sign the words to each worship song and was amazed. My eyes were not on the choir, but on him. I was amazed at how he signed every song, knew every word, and kept up with the sermon so beautifully. I came home and told my husband about it, because it stood out. I told him how amazing it was to have that interpreter service offered at church: I didn’t know we had that before! The way that he made sure all people could experience the sermon and receive the word of God was moving.
Well done, Caleb. To witness your last Sunday sermon was incredibly special. Rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Angie and family, sending our deepest sympathy to all the Kinzinger family.