Gerald W. Zacheis

Gerald W. Zacheis, Sr., age 82, of Steeleville, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 14, 2018 at 1:38 p.m. in Coulterville Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, Coulterville, IL.

Gerald was born August 17, 1936 in Pilot Knob Township, Oakdale, IL, the eldest son of Henry and Helen (Robinson) Zacheis.  He resided on the family farm until his marriage on October 20, 1956 to Kathyrn Frieman.  They resided in Marissa, IL for a time before moving to Steeleville, IL where Gerald became partners with Russell Laufer in the Laufer Farm Equipment Company.  He later purchased the business, which became G.W. Zacheis Farm Equipment.

Gerald was mayor of Steeleville for thirty-two years, during which time he was responsible for many improvements, including the police department, the new city hall, black-topped streets, an upgraded sewer plant and the organization of a city ambulance service.  During his lifetime he remained deeply involved in the farming community, actively promoting no-till planting in the 1960’s.  Gerald was involved in many organizations, including the Southern Illinois Mayor’s Association; Mississippi Valley Farm Equipment Association; Randolph County Farm Bureau; Egyptian Antique Auto Club; American Legion, Steeleville, IL; Steeleville Chamber of Commerce; Illinois Bus Contractor’s Association; Mid-West Truckers Association; The Allis Connection Club; Steeleville United Methodist Church, Steeleville, IL; Randolph County Police Association, of which he was a charter member; and the Southwestern Lakes Golf Association, of which he was a charter member.

Survivors include four children, Katherine Elaine (Jerry) Suttle of Shiloh, IL, Dawn Elizabeth (Mary) Zacheis of Maryville, IL, George Adam (Deepa) Zacheis of Seal Beach, CA, and Gerald Wayne (Jill) Zacheis, Jr. of Glen Carbon, IL; ten grandchildren, Michael (Cassie), Katelyn, Kayla, Mira, and Kiran Zacheis, Rachel (John) Sebesta, Daniel Lewis, and Nathan, Aaron and Noah Dell; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, H. Gale (Mary Lou) Zacheis of Colorado; two nephews; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Matthew Lewis; and one great-grandson, Timothy Arlt.

Funeral services will held at Oakdale United Presbyterian Church, Oakdale, IL on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Sam Foskey officiating.  Interment will be in Oakdale Cemetery, Oakdale, IL.

Visitation will be held at Oakdale United Presbyterian Church, Oakdale, IL on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Oakdale, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.