"I remember Joe taking me to a Army Reserve Meeting when I was a senior in High School. I noticed that he was respected by all his fellow warriors. They all depended on him to deliver a good Meal when they were in the field. He was a good brother, Uncle , Dad, and Husband. He was most christian individual I knew in my High Schools years."
In loving memory of
Joseph Kerkhoff
July 2, 1932 - August 29, 2020
Joseph Don Lorenzo Kerkhoff, age 88, of Quincy, died Saturday, August 29, 2020, at 8:05 a.m. in Sunset Home.
Joseph was born July 2, 1932 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Joseph A. and Anna Muffly Kerkhoff. He married Joan Carol Kopsieker on October 22, 1955 in Quincy. She survives.
Joseph served in the United States Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1960 and from 1974 to 1990 in the United States Army Reserves. He retired with the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his service, Joseph worked as a nursing assistant at the Illinois Veteran's Home while also working at Birkenmaier's Market. He retired from the Illinois Veterans' Home in 1992 after 33 1/2 years of employment. After his retirement from the veterans' home, he took another position as a home health aide at Blessing Hospital. Later, he also worked for a number of years at County Market and Hy-Vee.
Joseph was a member of Vermont Street United Methodist Church, where he was past treasurer and later vice president of the Double Ring Sunday School Class. He and Joan served coffee in the gathering place and in Sunday school after Sunday services for many years.
Joseph also volunteered over 4000 hours at Blessing Hospital as part of the M.E.N. (Messenger Escort Network) transport team. Joseph continued to volunteer until January of 2020, and he received a letter of commendation from the President of the United States of America for his selfless service to his community.
In addition to his wife of nearly 65 years, survivors include: his son, Jeffrey Kerkhoff of Quincy, IL; and several nieces and nephews and many great nieces and great nephews.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Don Kerkhoff; and his sister, Betty Ann Schwindeler.
Services: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Patty Johansen officiating. Please bring a face mask if you plan to attend the service.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois with military honors conducted by American Legion Post #37 and the United States Army Honors Detail.
Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2020 and 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Please bring a face mask if you plan to attend the visitation.
Memorials: Vermont Street United Methodist Church or St. Joseph's Indian School
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"This is Dennis Kerkhoff, My Dad was Joe's brother. I remember the time Uncle Joe took me to One Army Reserve Meetings. All his fellow warriors respected him, and depended on him for good meal when they in the field. He was good brother, father, and Husband. He always seems as one the most christian individual I knew growing up "
"Jeff, we are so sorry. I know you loved your dad and have many wonderful memories. Your dad always had a smile on his face and loved to chat whenever we saw him. He was so very, very proud of you. Prayers for you! Johnand Susan "
"Jeff so sorry for your loss . I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Terry McAllister "
"What a sweet man! So sorry for your loss Joan and Jeff. "
"Rest In Peace Uncle Joe. You always had great storytelling You are going to be missed"
"I served with Joe in the Army Reserves. He was one of the nicest and friendliest of people. He was an outstanding cook for us in the Reserves and always was up beat, he never knew a stranger. I enjoyed many visits together over coffee.... he showed me the technique of putting a pinch of salt in the coffee vat to keep it from getting bitter all day. Rest in Peace Joe! !SG Dale Hilgenbrinck, USAR Retired."
"enjoyed working with Joe over the years at the Veterans Home, my husband also enjoyed volunteering with him at the hospital. May God provide you the strength to endure these days and weeks ahead, may your memories provide you with comfort. Gerry and Teresa Pickle"
"Jeffrey our prayers are with you at this time. RIP Jeff & Joanne Bergman"
"Joe was quite a talker and friendly man. Always good to run into Joe. More people should have the people friendly attitude Joe had. He will be missed. God bless his family."