Kenneth J. Sievers Sr.

Dateline: Batchtown
Kenneth James Sievers Sr, age 90, passed from this life to his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 29th at 4:10 a.m.
Born on December 6, 1934, in Meppen, IL to Stanley and Clara (Keim) Sievers. He graduated from Brussels High School in 1952 and went to work at the family business, The Calhoun Quarry. In 1968, he purchased Calhoun Lumber & Hardware, which became, and continues to be, a staple in the county.
On May 1, 1954, Kenny married Pauline Louise Johnes. Together they were blessed with five children and shared 38 years of marriage until her passing in 1992.
He is survived by his wife, Pam Kay (Wolfe) Droege, whom he married on June 1, 2013, and they were gifted with 12 years together.
Also surviving are two sons, Kenneth (Shelly) Sievers Jr. and Thomas Sievers, both of Batchtown; three daughters, Debra (Mike) Tepen of Meppen; Kimberly (Kenny) Roth of Batchtown; and Mary Ann (Jim) Holliday of Jerseyville; his "bonus" children, Todd (Laura) Droege of O'Fallon, Mo; Terra (Dan) Barbeau of Ruma, IL; Sandi (Ron) Williams of Acworth, GA; and Marisa (Logan) Ruser of Smithton, IL; 6 grandchildren Nicholas Roth, Anne-Marie Johnson, Kylie Roth, Robert Weishaupt, Jordan Tepen, Elizabeth Hay; 8 "bonus" grandchildren, Jessica Trujillo, Brent Williams, Brianna Cordova, Tyler Barbeau, Trevor Barbeau, Brandon Williams, Alijah Barbeau, Anna Ruser; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 "bonus" great-grandchildren; his siblings Jerome (Betty) Sievers, Irene Wallendorf, Betty (Virgil) Klaas all of Batchtown; several nieces and nephews, as well as many other beloved family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Pauline; his parents Stanley and Clara; brother Sylvester Sievers; sister-in-law, Emma Sievers; best friend and brother-in-law, Rodney Wallendorf; and nephews Gus Wallendorf and Tony Sievers.
A man of deep faith, Kenny lived his life guided by love, service, and gratitude. He was an active member of St. Barbara's Church, serving in many capacities over the years, including teaching RCIA and participating in the Knights of Columbus. His faith led him on the trip of a lifetime to the Holy Land, an experience he cherished deeply.
Known for his wisdom and quick wit, Kenny was the go-to for questions of all kinds, whether you needed advice, a history lesson, or simply a laugh. He always had a quick comeback or a joke ready, keeping those around him smiling and in good spirits.
Throughout his life, Kenny was dedicated to serving his community. He was a proud member of the Hardin Lions Club, served as a local EMT, and as a member of the Richwoods Fire Department where in 1981, he was honored as the first and only Fireman of the Year. A 43-year cancer survivor, he was passionate about supporting cancer research and fundraising efforts to help others in their fight.
In his younger days, Kenny was active in a variety of sports and enjoyed playing the trumpet in his band, The Blue Notes, never missing a chance to "toot his own horn." He found joy spending time in his greenhouse and garden, planting only trees and plants that bore fruit, nuts, or served a purpose and that his wife could cook, can, or preserve. He was especially proud of his pecan trees, which he tended with care year after year.
He loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing trips with his wife and family, always in search of that elusive "lunker" at Montauk. This past year, he proudly oversaw the construction of a memorial gazebo at the St. Barbara Cemetery, in honor of his late wife, a lasting symbol of love and remembrance.
Kenny leaves behind a legacy of faith, humor, and heart, a life well-lived and a man deeply loved. Though he will be greatly missed, his family takes comfort knowing he has been welcomed into his heavenly home, reunited with loved ones who have gone before him.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Gress, Kallal, & Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL.
A funeral mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2025, at St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Batchtown.
Burial to follow at St. Barbara's cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Calhoun Ambulance or Richwood Fire District.
Online condolences can be made at www.kallalandschaaf.com