Published on August 25, 2025 4:36 pm
Last Updated on August 26, 2025 1:44 pm
Kenneth Albert “Kenny” Kreke, 72, of Mason, IL, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family after a short battle with leukemia.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in Saint Mary Help of Christians Cemetery in Green Creek. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Kenny was born on February 7, 1953, in Effingham, IL, the son of Albert and Verena (Ruholl) Kreke. At just 17 years old, he met the love of his life, Diane (Bloemer). They were married on April 22, 1972, and together they shared 53 beautiful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Kenny dedicated more than 40 years to working with sheet metal at Merz Sheet Metal, a career that showcased his strong work ethic and skilled hands. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local #268 and Effingham Knights of Columbus #665. Outside of work, he found joy in the outdoors – wagon riding with his ponies, Buck and Babe, raccoon hunting with Butch, Molly and Suzie Q, deer hunting, mushroom hunting, and spending time at his cabin. He was happiest when fixing anything that needed mending or taking a ride on his side-by-side. He found joy in playing cards, teasing friends and family, and was known for never calling anyone by their real name – always giving each person a nickname all his own. One of his greatest joys in life was watching his children and grandchildren succeed. He poured his heart into raising his kids, teaching them the value of hard work and kindness. Whether it was basketball, volleyball, soccer, football, baseball, softball, track, cross country, dance, cheer, tumbling, or cattle shows, he was their biggest supporter, cheering them on every step of the way.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Diane Kreke of Mason, children: Tonya (Thadd) Peters of Illiopolis, Nathan (Sarah) Kreke of Edwardsville, Amy (Jason) Warner of Effingham, and Kelsey (Brian) Spillman of Newburgh, Indiana; grandchildren, Claire Peters, Joseph (Emma Dorn) Peters, Johnathan Kreke, Benjamin Kreke, Jacob Warner, Kennedy Kreke, Caroline Peters, Ashlynn Warner, Margaret Spillman, and Annie Spillman. Kenny is also survived by his siblings, Sandy (Tom) Cox, Gary Joe (Marilee) Kreke, Jeannie (Wayne) Funneman, and Sherri (Jeff) Meyers, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Susan (Jerry) Meyer, in-laws, John and Josephine Bloemer, and niece, Mindy Reardon.