Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Stelzriede

Kenneth Eugene "Gene" Stelzriede, 80, of Forsyth, IL passed away on Monday (Jan. 27, 2014) in his residence. Private family services will be held at a later date. Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to New Day Community Church, 4191 Greenswitch Road Decatur, IL 62526. Gene was born on April 6, 1933 in Illiopolis, IL, the son of Orville and Evelyn (Fickes) Stelzriede. He served proudly in the United States Army from 1953-1954. He worked at Hi-Flier Kite Factory in Decatur, IL and Sangamo Electric in Springfield, IL before starting Decatur Machine & Tool Company in 1977, which Gene owned and operated until his retirement in 2006. He was a member of New Day Community Church and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Gene married Alice M. Salefski on August 2, 1957 and they had celebrated 56 years of marriage. Gene is survived by his wife: Alice M. Stelzriede of Forsyth, IL; daughters: Pam (Jim) Wogoman of Maroa, IL, Cindy (Nick) Kosinski of Tucson, AZ; daughter-in-law: Marsha Stelzriede of Forsyth, IL; Grandchildren: Blake and Logan Stelzriede of Forsyth, IL; Lauren, Jack, Annie and Adam Kosinski of Tucson, AZ; Allison Wogoman of Maroa, IL; sister: Betty (Pat) McLean of Punta Gorda, FL. He was preceded in death by his son: Steve Stelzriede, his parents and his brother: Ben Stelzriede. He put his faith in God above all, then his love for his family, especially love for his grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and driving his Kubota tractor. The family would like to extend a thank you to Dr. Tim Miller and his staff, many caregivers and Decatur Memorial Hospital Home Health. A special thank you to Sylvia, Lisa, Allison, Peggy, Kellie, Tracy, Gail, Audrey and Gayle. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com