Joseph A. Kohlrus, Sr.

Joseph A. Kohlrus, Sr., 77, of Springfield, died at 4:55 pm, Thursday, February 25, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Home. He was born August 2, 1943, in Springfield, to Louis A. and Ellen “Nellie” Laughlin Kohlrus. He married Judy Kay Fortner in 1966.

Survivors include two children, Joseph A. (Kristin) Kohlrus, Jr. of Springfield and Lynn (Carlton) Goff of Richmond, VA; five grandchildren, James (Kayla) Kohlrus, Jacob Kohlrus, Jillian Kohlrus, Mason Goff and Jaden Goff; four sisters, Mary Klarenbach of Chandler, AZ, Katherine Higgins of Arlington Heights, Margaret (Patrick) Hayes of Springfield, and Rose (James) Barton of Decatur; his special friend, Joan Bangert; and 13 nieces and nephews.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Robert Klarenbach.

He attended St. Joseph Grade School, Cathedral Boys High School and was the 2nd graduating class of Griffin High School. Joseph graduated from Springfield Junior College and Millikin University.

Joseph was a resident of Springfield all of his life. He belonged to Christ the King Church and participated in the choir and RCIA Formation. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus #364. Joseph was a longtime volunteer at the Marian Center. He was a longtime member of Gene Trimble Clown Band and Opus Dei. He coached youth baseball and softball and was active in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Joseph was a lifelong musician and was known for his string bass and tuba and he conducted music for the Muni.

Joseph retired from Illinois Secretary of State. He was a US Navy veteran.

Memorial Gathering: 9 – 10:15 am, Friday, March 19, 2021 at Christ the King Church.

Memorial Mass: 10:30 am, Friday, March 19, 2021 at Christ the King Church with Reverend Christopher House officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery where Military Honors will be conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crisis Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield, IL or Siteman Cancer Center.

CDC Protocol shall be followed.

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