A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023 for 50-year-old K. Jason Kertz of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, who passed away at 6:43 pm, Friday, January 6, 2023 at his residence.
He was born to Kenneth and Pasty (nee Huddleston) Kertz on March 21, 1972 in Chester, Illinois. They survive in Red Bud, Ill.
Jason married Kelly Clerc on October 23, 1999 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. He adored and loved his wife, Kelly, of 23 years.
He was a devoted, proud, and loving dad to Livie and Maggie Kertz.
Jason is survived by his wife: Kelly Kertz of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., his daughters: Livie and Maggie Kertz of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., his parents: Kenneth and Patsy Kertz of Red Bud, Ill., his sister: Heather (Gerald, Jr) Poenitske of Ruma, Ill., his mother-in-law: Arlene Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Kathy (Rob) Greenberg of Ringgold, Georgia, Daryl (Pam) Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., Dean Clerc of St. Charles, Mo., Duane Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., and Dan (Janie) Clerc of Bonney Lake, Washington; his nieces and nephews: Nathan (Alyssa) Poenitske, Andrew Poenitske, Jeremy (Ashley) Greenberg, Alissa (Glen) Broom, Jennine (Cody) Weber, Elliot Clerc, Caitlin, Lauren, Maura Clerc, Hannah, Sam and Rachel Clerc and several great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.
Jason was a 1990 graduate of Red Bud High School and a 1994 graduate of Illinois College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.
He was a talented offensive lineman for the Red Bud Mudhogs.
Jason was also a respected assistant football coach for the Red Bud Musketeers as well as for Sparta High School, Routt Catholic High School, and Illinois College.
He cared deeply about each of his players and was committed to teaching them each aspect of the game while striving to make them feel accomplished both on and off of the field. He was a big supporter of college football, he loved the game and was happy to watch all day, every day.
His favorite team was the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was a very loyal fan. Everyone who knew him, knew that he always cheered for the Irish with all of his heart and planned his entire day around game time.
Jason was a chemist at Fabick Caterpillar in Fenton, Missouri for the past 10 years.
He was passionate about music. While he loved all kinds of music, he was always very vocal about his deep love of big bands and Elvis Presley.
Jason loved to be in the middle of the dance floor.
He never met a stranger and was always so easy to talk to.
Jason will be remembered for his big heart, kind spirit, booming laugh, his love of dancing, sense of humor and deep love of his family.
Jason was preceded in death by his brother: Chad Patrick Kertz, his grandparents: Robert and Effie Huddleston and Donald and Bernadine Kertz, his father-in-law: Gene Clerc and his sister-in-law: Julie Clerc.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud, Illinois.
A memorial service for 50-year-old K. Jason Kertz of Prairie du Rocher will be held at 11 a.m, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Red Bud, Illinois. The Rev. Msgr. Dennis Schaefer will officiate.
Memorials: Checks may be made payable to The Kertz Family and donations will be made to various organizations that Jason felt passionately about.