Published on July 8, 2026 5:26 pm
Last Updated on July 8, 2026 5:26 pm
Gerald L. “Jerry” Kinkelaar, 67, of Effingham, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at his home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Green Creek. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. The family encourages friends and family to come as you are in casual attire. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Jerry was born on December 10, 1958, in Effingham, IL, the son of Louis and Eleanor (Beckman) Kinkelaar. He married Susan Willenborg on October 9, 1982, and she survives. Gerald graduated from Teutopolis High School in 1977 and attended drafting and cabinetmaking courses at Lake Land College. Jerry had a strong work ethic from a young age. At the age of 16, he started as a job site laborer for AKRA Builders, and by the age of 19, he had become a crew foreman. In 1987, he started KINX Construction and proudly spearheaded projects large and small across Illinois and even into Indiana. Jerry’s philosophy was not only to take pride in what he built but also in the customers he served. Jerry was also very active in his community. He served on the boards for Effingham Habitat for Humanity, Effingham Chamber of Commerce, Effingham Area Home Builders Association, Sacred Heart School, and the Illinois High School Rodeo State Finals. He also served as the president of the Illinois High School Rodeo Association District Three for three years. He enjoyed driving a bus for Effingham Unit 40.
Above all, Jerry was a loving father and grandfather. He would do anything for his grandkids, who lovingly called him “Pappy.” He instilled a strong work ethic in his kids.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Susan Kinkelaar; children, Aaron (Diana) Kinkelaar, Amber Kinkelaar, Brittni (Nick) Grady, Brooke (Casey) Lee, and Caleb (Sammi) Kinkelaar; grandchildren, Aydon, Korah, and Grady Kinkelaar, Sage and Cedar Grady and one Grady baby on the way, Paysli, Jayclin, and Rayner Lee, and Raegyn, Zaeleigh, Rykaar, Jayce, and Bodhi Kinkelaar; brother, Dick (Pauline) Kinkelaar; and sisters, Margie (Alan) Goebel and Alice (Lovell) Wines.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, William “Bill” Kinkelaar.