A private memorial service will be held for 87-year-old Ronald C. Kumke A.K.A. ‘Crappie King’, of Chester, Illinois, who passed away at 7:32 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2026 at the Randolph County Care Center in Sparta, Illinois.
He was born March 17, 1938 in Red Bud, Illinois to the late Lewis and Wilma (nee Wittenbrink) Kumke.
Ronald married Jean Schoeppel on January 14, 1961 at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester; she survives in Chester.
He is also survived by three children: David (Celia) Kumke of Olathe, KS, Michelle (Shawn) Schweizer of Chester, IL and John R. Kumke Perryville, MO; a brother: John “Jack” (Sherrie) Kumke of Columbia, MO; and eight grandchildren: William Ethan Kumke, Zachary Kumke, Hannah Schweizer, Austin Schweizer, Joshua (Brittany) Kumke, Chelsy Kumke, Johnathon (Emilee) Kumke and Savannah Kumke; and nine great grandchildren: Quentin, Isla, Alina, Aubree, Brynlee, Bohdi, Haislea, Aurora and Scottie.
He was also preceded in death by a son: James Dale Kumke and a great granddaughter: Rhonny McCormick.
He had owned and operated his own trucking company.
Ronald was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester.
He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #3790 in Chester and was an avid fisherman.
He was a United States Army Veteran.
It was Ronald’s wish to be cremated. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.