GEGEL

Kenneth Gegel, 82, of Baldwin, IL; born on September 25, 1936 in rural Baldwin, IL; Surrounded by family, Kenny peacefully passed into our Savior’s waiting embrace on Thursday, June 27, 2019 at the Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, IL.

Kenny was united in marriage to Eunice Marilyn Brewer, a parochial school teacher in Baldwin, at Peace Lutheran Church in Glidden, IA. The wedding was performed by his father-in-law, the Reverend Elmer Brewer, on June 17, 1956. They purchased a home in Sparta, where their sons Brian, Stanley and Michael were born. At the death of his father in 1971, Kenny and his family moved to the family farm on which he was born – northeast of Baldwin – a place of joyful labor, growth and peace for the years to come.

Along with farming, he worked as a machinist at Lewin-Mathes Metals and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis, MO. In 1970, he began working at the Illinois Power/Dynegy power plant in Baldwin, where he worked for 25 years before retiring as assistant maintenance supervisor in 1995. After retirement he researched and documented family genealogical records, local history, and collected obituaries. His grandchildren dearly loved hearing him tell stories of his life.

Kenny will be greatly missed by his wife Eunice and family. He is survived by his loving wife – Eunice, nee Brewer, Gegel. Sons – Brian Gegel of New Richland, MN, Stan Gegel of Baldwin, IL and Mike (Tammy) Gegel of Wapakoneta, OH. Grandchildren – Jessica (Jon Markl) Gegel of Traverse City, MI, Joshua Gegel of Minnesota, Tori Gegel of Dayton, OH, Cedric (Sarah) Gegel of Columbus, OH, Salon (Edward Long) Gegel of Findlay, OH and Austin Gegel of Wapakoneta, OH. Brother-in-law – Tom Wheatley of Waterloo, IL. Sisters-in-law – Moselle Loeschen of Glidden, IA and Betty Root of Great Bend, KS. Uncle and Aunt – Albert and Viola Guebert of Dix, IL. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents – Otto and Anna, nee Guebert, Gegel.  Sister – Norma Wheatley.  Brothers-in-law – David Brewer and Paul Loeschen. Sister-in-law – Jennine Johnson. Daughter-in-law – Jane (Wehrheim) Gegel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sparta Public Library, Hospice of Southern Illinois, Randolph County Care Center Activities Department or St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baldwin, IL

The family is grateful for the staff at the Randolph County Care Center and the Hospice of Southern Illinois employees and volunteers.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.heilschuessler.com.

Visitation: Friends may call at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baldwin, IL on Thursday, July 4, 2019 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. and on Friday, July 5, 2019 from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.

Funeral: Services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Baldwin, IL on Friday, July 5, 2019 at 11:00am with Rev. David Loeschen officiating.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements

1. Lynn Partington says:

   07/01/2019 at 2:26 pm

   I am so sorry, Eunice, to hear this sad news. I have so many good memories from high school and through the years. My love and prayers go out to you and your family.
   With sympathy, Lynn

   Reply
   • Brian Gegel says:

     07/07/2019 at 11:26 pm

     Thanks for your prayers and warm memories. I will share these with Mom. God be with you and your loved ones, and thanks again!
     Brian Gegel

     Reply
2. Susan Colbert says:

   06/30/2019 at 6:54 pm

   I’m so sorry Mrs. Gegel and family. All of us at the Sparta Public Library will dearly remember Mr. Gegel and his dedication & enjoyment researching genealogy at the library. Praying for your comfort and peace.

   Reply
   • Brian Gegel says:

     07/07/2019 at 11:24 pm

     Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts, Susan. I will share this with mom.
     Blessings to you
     Brian Gegel

     Reply