Carl W. Zschiegner's Obituary
Carl W. Zschiegner, of Red Bud, IL, died peacefully on April 19, 2025 at the age of 91.
Carl was preceeded in death by his sweet wife, Flo, his parents, Rev. Max and Helen (Rathert) Zschiegner, his brothers Max (Taka, Delores), Martin (Doris), and Arthur (Val, Ellen), his sister-in-law and brothers-in-law. Carl is survived by his two children, Douglas (Michael) and Beverly (Steve) Gruenwald, his two grandchildren Kellie (Greg) Wanko, Philip (Christine) Gruenwald and three great-grandchildren: Mabel Wanko, Ralph Wanko, and Joanie Wanko, one brother-in- law, Glenn Koester, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Carl was born July 10, 1933, in Kuling, China to missionary parents, Rev. Max and Helen Zschiegner, serving the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. When Carl was 5, his family returned to the United States for his mom’s surgery in Red Bud, IL (Helen’s hometown). After the surgery, Carl’s father traveled alone back to China with the thought that Carl, his mom and three older brothers would later join him. Missionary Zschiegner died on a ship just as it arrived at its destination in Wanshein, China.
Carl grew up in Red Bud, graduated from Red Bud High School, and served honorably in the US Army, from 1953-55 while stationed in Alaska.
In 1957, Carl entered the life insurance business as a District Representative with Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent) and served his southern Illinois territory for 34 years. His first client was a young woman, Florence Koester, who later became his wife on May 11, 1958. They were blessed with a 66-year marriage and partnership throughout their lives!
During Carl’s career with AAL (Thrivent) he placed $75 million of life insurance, wrote more than 6,000 policies, and enjoyed a life persistency rate of 97%.
In 1981, he was chosen as the Fraternal Insurance Counselor of the Year in the state of Illinois; in 1984, he placed 452 policies for more than $10 million of life insurance; and in 1986, led all AAL representatives in the number of policies written. Carl won the National Quality Award for 21 of his 34 years of being a District Representative and won the National Sales Achievement Award for 20 years. He also served the offices of his local Life Underwriters Association.
Carl’s positive approach to life, his humorist personality and his entertaining presentation style earned him recognition and acclaim as a speaker/motivational humorous and toastmaster in front of more than 400 audiences in 33 states - even continuing for many years as his retirement career.
Carl was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud. He held many church leadership positions in his congregation and district, including congregation Chairman for 3 terms. He served on the Board for World Missions for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Carl and Flo also volunteered for many years as leaders for the Walther League and as Lutheran youth camp counselors Carl was elected to serve as Southern Illinois District Walther League President. They made many lasting friendships through those they met in these ministries.
Carl was a founding Board member of the Red Bud Area Museum for his beloved hometown that he affectionately called, “the town where even the dogs bark in German!” Carl and Flo were devoted fans
of Red Bud Musketeer basketball regularly attending games well into their 80s. Carl also enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals, theatre, antique cars, bike rides, wood crafts, and gardening.
They loved traveling - with beach vacations being their favorite. Carl enthusiastically planned weekly Family Nights with their kids and was a big supporter of their activities. They were also devoted grandparents and delighted in being with family. They attended the grandkids’ music, church and sporting events in both good and bad weather.
Carl enjoyed telling stories and entertaining “to anyone who would sit still and listen!” He was a faithful Christian, living the Bible verse, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!” Philippians 4:4
Memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 508 Bloom St, Red Bud, IL 62278 or the Red Bud Area Museum, 116 E Market St. Red Bud, IL or Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO 63141.
Visitation will be Friday, April 25th from 9:00-11:00 AM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev Mark Winkelman and Rev Dennis Kastens. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a luncheon at St. John’s Fellowship Hall.
For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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