Kenneth Garst

Kenneth J. Garst, age 58, of Peotone, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 1, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL.

He was born on June 13, 1961 in Chicago.  He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Grant Park where he served as the organist and choir director for the past 11 years.  He was a member of the I.U.E.C. Local 2 for 40 years and was involved in many aspects of the elevator trade throughout.  He was currently employed by Otis Elevator in Lombard.  Previously he was President and business owner of Great Lakes Elevator Service, Inc. for 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara J. (Studtmann) Garst.  They were joined in holy matrimony on December 20, 1980 in Oak Forest, IL.  He is also survived by his father, John H. (Cesaria) Garst of Brady, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Robert K. (Christiana) Garst of Fort Pierce, FL; his daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca Dawn (Nathanial) Evans of Longmont, CO; a grandson, Martin Robert Garst; a brother, Robert M. (Tonya) Garst of Bourbonnais, IL; 2 sisters, Lois R. (Daniel) Cates of Plainfield, IL and Michelle R. (Todd Larson) Kintz of Gold Canyon, AZ; his nieces and nephews, Robert (Jami) Garst, Ryan Garst, Tyler (Jacki) Garst, Jonathan Cates, Justin Cates, Kacey Kintz, Collin Kintz, Kaitlyn Kintz; and several great nieces and great nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois R. (Buszin) Garst.

Ken had a fervent love for God, family and life.  He enjoyed sacred music, model railroading and aviation.

Visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Saturday, September 7 from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 11456 N. 11000 E. Rd, Grant Park, IL 60940 on Sunday, September 8 at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Cory Estby oficiating.  Cremation rites will be accorded following services with committal plans for the future in Arizona.  A meal will be served at the church immediately following services to celebrate Ken’s life.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Zion Lutheran Parsonage Project would be appreciated.