Kenneth Petzoldt

Kenneth Gene Petzoldt, 86, of Jackson passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Monticello House.

He was born April 19, 1938, in Shawneetown, son of Olaf E. and Linda Ludwig Petzoldt. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pocahontas.

On July 9, 1960, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Friedheim, Gene married Elfrieda Rohde, daughter of Adolph and Gertrude Rohde. In 1961, Gene and Elfrieda became members of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson, where Gene held various offices of the church, drove the van and ushered.

Gene honorably served in the Army National Guard from 1956 to 1964. He retired from Elfrink Truck Lines after working there for 30 years.

Gene enjoyed traveling with his wife and attending basketball games. He volunteered many hours at Jackson Senior Center, served as a board member and took care of the landscaping. In 2018, he won the Volunteer of the Year Award. Gene was a former member of Egypt Mills Antique Tractor Club.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife of 63 years, Elfrieda Petzoldt of Jackson; a son, Brent (Diane) Petzoldt; grandson, Wade Petzoldt; siblings, Jerry (Darlene) Petzoldt and Sharon (late Marty) Schuessler; and Elfrieda’s siblings, Cletus (Mary) Rohde and Diane (late Lowell) Mangels.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Linda Petzoldt; Elfrieda’s parents, Adolph and Gertrude Rohde; and his stepmother-in-law, Bernice Rohde.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time Tuesday, May 28, at St Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The Rev. Joshua Schmidt will conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the church. Interment and military honors will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to St. Paul Lutheran School Foundation, Jackson Senior Center, Saxony Lutheran High School or a church or charity of your choice.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab above Gene’s obituary at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.