Flo Zschiegner's Obituary
Flo Zschiegner, of Red Bud, IL, died peacefully on January 23, 2025 at the age of 86.
Florence Anna Koester was born on November 6, 1938, in Evansville, Illinois to William and Ella Koester. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran, Evansville.
Flo graduated from Sparta High School and began her career working for Illinois Power, until one day she was visited by Carl Zschiegner, a young Aid Association for Lutherans (AAL) representative. She said “yes” to life insurance and later said “yes” to marriage! They were married May 11, 1958, at St. Peter’s (and as Carl was fond of saying, “I’ve been paying her premiums ever since!”)
In their 66 years of marriage, God blessed Flo and Carl with a joyful partnership. She served as Carl’s office assistant in addition to being a full-time mom and homemaker. She accompanied Carl on all his speaking trips, often assisting as the “straight man” to Carl’s gags.
Flo and Carl served for many years as counselors for Walther League and made many lasting friendships with those they met. They also served on the founding Board for the Red Bud Area Museum. Flo and Carl loved traveling and enjoyed Florida’s beaches 71 times.
Flo was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud serving on the Evening Guild, LWML, evangelism visitation team and quilting/sewing blankets for Lutheran World Relief. She was a talented seamstress and cook and treasured the blessings of family and friends. Caring for others was her humble joy!
Flo is survived by her husband, Carl, and their loving family: two children, Douglas (Michael) and Beverly (Steve) Gruenwald, two grandchildren, Kellie (Greg) Wanko, Philip (Christine) Gruenwald, and three great-grandchildren, Mabel Florence Wanko, Ralph Wanko, and Joanie Wanko.
Flo is also survived by her brother Glen (Mary) Koester and many nephews, nieces, and extended family. Four siblings preceded her in death: Norma (Elmer) Liefer, Bernadine (Otis) Wegener, Ruby (Norbert) Liefer, and Jeanette (Tom) McLaughlin as well as sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
One of Flo’s favorite verses: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2025, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran, Red Bud. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 pm with Pastor Brian Nowak and Pastor Stephen Krenz. Following the burial, family and friends are invited to a light supper at St. John's Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church, Red Bud or LWML Southern Illinois District. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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