Kenneth O. Schirle's Obituary
Kenneth Oscar Schirle, 88, of Decatur, passed away Friday, April 1, 2016 at Imboden Creek Living Center.
Ken was born June 14, 1927, in Evansville, IN, to John Matthews and Alma Rose (Greenfield) Schirle, the youngest of seven siblings. After service in the Navy at the tail end of World War II, he enrolled in the Industrial Training Institute in Chicago. As a young man he moved to Decatur, to work for Caterpillar, where he worked as an inspector until his retirement. While in Decatur, he met Shirley Nadine Bailey, and they were married February 7, 1959.
Ken loved his church, Northwest Christian Church, where he served in various ways over the years as a deacon, and together with Shirley, in Bethlehem Walk and as Bible Bowl sponsors. For ten years they also served as stateside Forwarding Agents with African Christian Mission for their son, John, a partnership in which Ken meticulously kept the account books.
Ken also enjoyed travel, and he and Shirley took the family on memorable vacations across the country. After their boys were grown, they traveled further abroad, to Europe, Africa, Central and South America and Polynesia.
Ken loved his family. Together with Shirley they supported, provided for and encouraged their sons. When grandchildren came along, they enjoyed celebrating holidays with them and spoiling them.
He leaves behind a family grateful for a loving, caring, supportive father and grandfather; sons, John Schirle of Decatur, Clark (Sue) Schirle of Westmont, Steve (Barb) Schirle of Greenville, SC; grandsons, Justin Schirle of Madison, WI, Ryan, Michael and Kyle Schirle of Westmont; granddaughters, Lexi and Gracie Schirle of Greenville, SC; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley; brothers, John and Walter; sisters, Bertha, Henrietta, Evelyn and Hazel.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful, loving staff at Imboden Creek Living Center and Dr. Anthony McCormack for their excellent care of Ken these past several years.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Kenneth Schirle will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 before the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Northwest Christian Church or Donor’s Choice.
The family of Kenneth Schirle is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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