Jerry O. Szachnitowski
Jerry O. Szachnitowski, 69, of Springfield, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was born May 4, 1953, in Mattoon, the son of William John and Kathleen E. (Conlin) Szachnitowski, Jr. He married Esther M. Hull on November 9, 1996 and she survives.
Also surviving are two sisters Suzanna Sanders of Pana, IL and Linda Kelly of Phoenix, AZ; and four brothers, Richard Szachnitowski of Indianapolis, IN, Joe Szachnitowski of Gays, IL, Bruce Szachnitowski of Windsor, IL, and Matthew Szachnitowski of Kokomo, IN.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean M. Johnson; and three brothers, Mike, Willie and Ron Szachnitowski.
Jerry was a member of Living Water Church and graduated from Windsor High School. He received his Global Ministries and Relief Diploma of Theology. He was a United States Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam War. He worked as an auto mechanic and received various Automotive Service Excellence certificates. Sometimes, Esther would find him diagnosing engine problems with a stethoscope. In his youth, he would dismantle many things to see how they were made, and then put them back together again. He liked to call himself a “Szach of All Trades” and not only was an accomplished mechanic, but was skilled in other various fields. One of his favorite hobbies was working with wood and making various items. Jerry grew up on a farm and cherished his memories there with his siblings.
Visitation: 10 – 11:30 am, Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
Funeral Service: 11:30 am, Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Pastor Tony Shuff officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.
Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy.
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