Gary Louis Kerkhover, 81, of Rockwood, Illinois, passed peacefully at home on, Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
He was born on March 15, 1944, in Red Bud, Illinois, to the late Louis J. and Wilma (nee Shemonic) Kerkhover.
Gary lived a life marked by care, steadiness, and loyalty to the people and places he loved. He found his greatest joy on his family’s farm, where he felt most at home – close to the land, the work, and the rhythms he knew well.
He worked for more than 30 years as a truck driver with the Chester Dairy in Chester, Illinois, a role he carried out with pride, reliability, and a strong sense of responsibility. Through his work, he quietly touched the lives of many – steady, encouraging, and often like a dad to those who needed one
Gary served his country as a member of the United States Army, a commitment that shaped his quiet discipline and respect for others throughout his life.
On December 1, 1990, Gary married the love of his life, Lynn M. Clay, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Wine Hill, Illinois. She survives.
Family mattered deeply to him. He loved them fully and faithfully, in ways that were constant and enduring.
Gary will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love of home, and the simple goodness of a life well lived. He leaves behind a life built on care, work, and love.
Survivors: wife: Lynn Kerkhover Rockwood, IL; three children: Crystal (Stuart) Kunz of Percy, IL
Katie Kerkhover of Nashville, TN and Vicki (Jeff) Laramore of Chester, IL; four grandchildren: Kati Ruth-Ellen (Austin) Kunz, Joel (Faith) Kunz, Mollie Laramore, and Marah Laramore; two great grandchildren: Raylynn Sue Kunz and Colson Kurt-Wayne Kunz; two siblings: Sandra (John) Mahon Moline, IL and R. Jeffrey (Diane) Kerkhover Chester, IL and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
In accordance with Gary’s wishes, he will be cremated.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Louis Kerkhover, please visit our flower store.