Kenneth Rowold

CHESTER, Ill. — Kenneth “Ken” Rowold, 85, of Chester passed away at 9:20 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, at his home.

He was born to Otto and Mabel Bodeker Rowold on May 20, 1938, in Chester. Kenneth married Virginia Welge on June 5, 1965, at St. John Lutheran Church in Chester. She survives.

After being discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Kenneth worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad in the main office computer department. He then became the administrator for Three Springs Lodge Nursing Home and served there for more than 51 years.

He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, where he was on the altar guild and was a former usher and school board member. Kenneth was also a member of Friends of the Library and had formerly served on the Popeye Picnic committee. He was a former member of the Lions Club.

Kenneth enjoyed watching sports. He was an avid Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Rowold of Chester; two children, Kelly Marie (Keith) Hartmann of Cape Girardeau and John David (Robin) Rowold of Chester; a brother, Donald (Marcella) Rowold of Granite City, Illinois; four grandchildren, Abby Marie (Gregg) Hawks, Andrew William (Caitlyn) Hartmann, Autumn Leigh Rowold and Molly Mackenzie Rowold; two stepgrandchildren, Johnathon Nathaniel Burford and Ashley Lynn (Danny) Jagla; five great-stepgrandchildren, Madeline, Zoe, Alice, Penelope and Maisie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Eileen Walters.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at St. John Lutheran Church in Chester.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the church, with the Rev. Timothy Sims officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Pechacek Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.

To view the full obituary and sign the register book, visit www.wpfh.net.