KIRK E. MUDD, 46, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 11:40 am, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Red Bud Regional Hospital, Red Bud, Illinois.
He was born October 14, 1979, in Red Bud, Illinois, the oldest child of Larry and Diane (nee Imming) Mudd. On May 1, 2004, Kirk married Elizabeth “Liz” Laurent at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, and together they were blessed with their beloved son, Caleb.
Above all else, Kirk’s entire world was his son, Caleb. Known as the family joker, Kirk brought laughter to every gathering. He cherished taking Caleb, along with his nieces and nephews, hunting and sharing his love for the outdoors. He also loved going fishing with his wife, Liz, though he would often laughingly admit that she usually managed to out-fish him.
For the past 23 years, Kirk worked for the Randolph County Highway Department. He truly loved going to work every day, with a special passion for snowplowing during the winter months. Alongside his dedication to public service, Kirk was a lifelong cattle and grain farmer, working proudly side-by-side with his family on the family farm. He also enjoyed tending to his garden and spending time outdoors.
Kirk was a devoted member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ruma, Illinois, the Knights of Columbus Council #1952 in Evansville, Illinois, the Sons of the American Legion, and the NWRF of Monroe County. Giving back to his community was important to him, and he regularly volunteered at Jake’s Day in Monroe County as well as with the local FFA Alumni.
Survivors:
Wife: Liz Mudd
Parents: Larry & Diane Mudd
Son: Caleb Mudd
3 Siblings: Jeff (Kim) Mudd
Jen Mudd
Kim (Corey) Steibel
Mother-in-law: Sharon Greten
Brothers-in-law & Sisters-in-law: Sarah (Keith) Schmitz, Cheryl (Joe) Steiner, Jenny (Sean) Bievenue, and Stephanie (John) Hanner
Nieces & Nephews: Garrett, Brinley, & Lucas Mudd, Cooper & Nora Steibel, Cody & Kelsey Schmitz, Ethan & Abby Steiner, Dylan, Jena & Lexi Bievenue, Savannah & Peyton Hanner, and Sikeston & Skyler Hopple
Many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Friends and Co-Workers
Preceded in death by: Grandparents – Vernon & Leona Mudd and Bernard and Clarrisa Imming, Sr., Cousin – Corey Atkinson, and Grandparents-in-law – Bill & Florence Laurent and Ervin & Bernice Smith
Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, Tuesday, September 1, 2026
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Prairie du Rocher, IL
Officiating: Fr. Iuvenis Iheme, Fr. Sebastian Ukoh, and
Msgr. Dennis Schaefer
Interment: St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery
Ruma, Illinois
Visitation: Monday – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Tuesday – 8:00 am – 9:30 am
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois
Memorials: Hit ‘n Miss Outdoors
Waterloo Lead Heads
Knight of Columbus #1952, Evansville
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Ruma