Roger Lee Kirchgessner

Roger L. Kirchgessner, 75, of Spring Bay, IL, passed away at 8:16 pm on Friday, August 14, 2026, at his residence.

He was born on September 17, 1950, in Peoria, IL, to Clarence J. “PeeWee” and Eva Grace (Dixon) Kirchgessner. He married Gloria D. Tilstra on February 27, 1971, in Metamora, IL.

Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Gloria of Spring Bay; children, Amy (Tom) Frank of Peoria, IL, Tim (Sharon) Kirchgessner of Spring Bay, and Jill (James) Howell of Mackinaw, IL; grandchildren, Jackson Frank, Gia Frank, Sean (Gabby) Nelson, Haleigh Kirchgessner, Alex Kirchgessner, Zach Howell, Sophia (Colin) Hicks, and Nick Howell; great-grandson, Ezra Hicks; sisters, Beverly Lyons of Metamora, IL, Barbara Marchand of Peoria, IL, and Janet (Terry) Pickel of Peoria; and brothers, Gene (Sally) Kirchgessner of Missouri and Stanley (Kim) Kirchgessner of Afton, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sylvia Miller, and nephew Paul Pickel.

Roger graduated from Metamora High School in 1968 and was a life-long Spring Bay resident. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Vietnam War in 1969 and 1970. He served 15 months until he was injured. He received a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Air Medal. He had worked in power plant maintenance at CILCO for 33 years. He was a member and past commander of the American Legion Post 1115 in Spring Bay, trustee of the Spring Bay Township from 2013 until 2025, and a member of the National Conference of Fireman and Boiler Maker Union Local 60 for 29 years.

He loved using his John Deere tractor in his yard, building things in his garage, woodworking, antiquing where he went to auctions and booths, and refurbishing furniture.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Pastor Tanya Edwards-Evans officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time, also on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Spring Bay Cemetery with military rites accorded by the American Legion Post 1115. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Spring Bay Fire Protection Department, 310 West Missouri Street, Spring Bay, IL 61611 or to OSF Cardiovascular Institute Heart Failure Clinic, 5405 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

Spring Bay Fire Protection Department, 310 West Missouri Street, Spring Bay, IL 61611

OSF Cardiovascular Institute Heart Failure Clinic, 5405 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614