Kent Harold Vollert, 78, of Marissa, IL, born August 12, 1943 in Belleville, IL, passed away on Wednesday June 1, 2022 at his residence.  Mr. Vollert honorably served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969 receiving a commendation medal. He received a Bachelor of Science at McKendree College in 1971 and did post graduate work at SIU-Carbondale. He attended the National Center for Law with a focus on education and was also a Robert F. Taft Institute graduate.  He was a Marissa Junior/Senior High School teacher from 1971-2001. during that time he was a coach for 30 years, a class sponsor for 30 years, student council sponsor for 20 years and the athletic director for 3 years.  He also received the Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award in 1996. Kent finally retired after a total of 33 years of service at Marissa School District #40.  As part of his community service, he was a 34 year member of Robert F. Arnold  American Legion Post #172 and was also a past commander.  He coached the American Legion Baseball Club for 25 years and was coach of the State Championship team in 1981. He was a U.S. Olympic Festival volunteer in 1994 and a volunteer at the 2001 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament as well as the State Games of America also in 2001.

Mr. Vollert was preceded in death by his parents – Everett and Arabella (Triefenbach) Vollert.

Kent is survived by his brother – George (Carolyn) Vollert of Highland, IL, two nieces – Katie (Dempsey) Rollins of Jonesboro, AR and Kara (Shane) Gentry of St. Jacob, IL, three great nieces – Madison Gentry, Grace Gentry and Isabelle Rollins and one great nephew – Noah Rollins, three cousins  Marilyn Triefenbach of Freeburg, IL, George Stanford Triefenbach of St. Louis, MO and Fred Triefenbach of California,  He is also survived by many former students, team mates and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Kent’s memory by donating to Marissa School District #40’s athletic department.

Visitation: Friends will be joining the family from 4 to 8 p..m. on Thursday June 9, 2022 and again from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday June 10, 2022 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL.

Funeral:  Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday June 10, 2022 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL with Rev. Don Wagner officiating.

Private family interment services will follow at Marissa TWP Cemetery in Marissa, IL.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Cynthia Walker says:

   06/08/2022 at 7:00 pm

   I send my sincerest sympathies to Mr. Vollert’s family. Mr. Vollert taught and coached my 3 children. He was very respected and loved!

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   • Victoria Voytas says:

     06/11/2022 at 7:25 pm

     It is my guess that no one in Marissa didn’t know Kent!! He worn many hats in the community!! Teacher, Coach, Civic leader, friend and loyal son!! May he Rest In Peace !

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2. James Schroeder Family says:

   06/07/2022 at 6:42 pm

   Our condolences to Kent’s family & to all those whose lives he touched. He was GOOD in his job and he did it well. He was a major influence to so many. Kent took an interest in his students & always supported them. He was an asset to Marissa.

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3. mark salanik says:

   06/06/2022 at 12:24 pm

   Kent Vollert was a friend of mine from the junior/senior high school. We worked together for 13 years and there was never a dull moment with him around. There are so many fond memories and funny stories from those days. We all had a lot of fun. He was a good-hearted man who was nice to everyone he met. His dedication and loyalty to his students and friends was boundless. Rest in peace, you did a lot of good.

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4. Chantel Curry says:

   06/06/2022 at 8:45 am

   My condolences, Mr. Vollert was wonderful teacher and I enjoyed being in his classroom.

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5. Mark Stehl says:

   06/05/2022 at 11:46 pm

   So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Vollert family and their friends during this difficult time. 🙏🏻

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