Kenneth "Ken" Wayne Kelnhofer Jr.

Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Kelnhofer Jr., 71, of Girard, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Carlinville Area Hospital. Ken was born October 22, 1953, in Danville, the son of Ken Sr. and Betty (Norenberg) Kelnhofer. He married Kathy Reeves on August 8, 1992.

Surviving is his wife, Kathy Reeves Kelnhofer; his children, Josh Kelnhofer of Carmel, Indiana, Jaclyn (Josh Kiel) Rheude of Virden, Bradley (Gloria) Rheude of Springfield, and Erik Kelnhofer of Springfield; his grandchildren: Morgan and Brett Kelnhofer, Austin Rheude, Nolan and Nora Kiel, Elly Rheude, Parker Pieper, and Victoria Ostrander; his siblings, Steve (Suzy) Kelnhofer and Angie (Brian) Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his grandson, Colby Rheude.

Ken served his country proudly in the United States Army for 26 years, retiring as lieutenant colonel. Ken was a kindhearted, dedicated, hard-working individual who always put others before himself. Ken was an avid reader, loved to travel, but most of all, he adored his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. During family get togethers, you could always catch Ken outside playing and making sure the kids were having a good time. Ken’s personality brought warmth and joy for those around him and will be dearly missed.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Airsman & Calvert Funeral Home, Girard. The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. until service time, at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Virden Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans, or Gary Sinise Foundation.