Charles Kirchner

Charles F. "Shorty" Kirchner, Sr, 81 of Beardstown, died Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Illinois Veteran's Home in Quincy.

He was born December 17, 1942 in Beardstown, the son of James V. and Helen Louise Westerholt Kirchner. He married Diane O'Hara on February 5, 1972 and she survives in Beardstown.

Also surviving are two children, Charles "Scooter" (wife Kelly) Kirchner, Jr of Snicarte and Sara (husband Sam) Brannan of Beardstown; six grandchildren, Aubree (companion Matt Coil) Cramblit, Bill (companion Sydney Savage) Cramblit, Garett Brannan, Mikaila Kirchner, Adam Kirchner, and Taylor Cooper; and two great-grandchildren Alice and Drue. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister in infancy, a grandson, Christopher Cooper, his father-in-law, Kenneth O'Hara, and his mother-in-law, Myrna Wetherell.

Shorty graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1961, and soon after, he joined and honorably served in the United States Navy as a medic during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. He worked for Oscar Mayer in Beardstown for 20 years until its closing, took a job with Weston Hazardous Waste for two years, and then retired as a laborer from Local Union 477 out of Springfield.

Shorty was an avid outdoorsman. He was a pusher at Allen's Gun Club and enjoyed hunting everything possible and guiding others on hunts. He also found pleasure in fishing, turtle trapping, and gardening in his free time. He was a past president of the IRV Pony League and dedicated valuable time to coaching the community youth on the Little League diamond and at Beardstown Boxing Club. He had a contagious, flirty personality and could clear any floor with his dance moves. His grandkids were his life, and attending any of their events truly brought him the most joy.

Cremation Rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post #1239 from 2-4 PM, Saturday January 6, 2023. Military honors will be conducted at 2 pm by Gutherie Pierce VFW Post #1239 and a meal will follow. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to IL Veterans Home Quincy Schapers Hall Activity Fund, TAC, or Cass/Schuyler Area Hospice. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.