K. Jason Kertz

K. JASON KERTZ, 50, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 6:43 pm, Friday, January 6, 2023 at his residence .

Jason married Kelly Clerc on October 23, 1999 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. He adored and loved his wife, Kelly, of 23 years. He was born to Kenneth and Patsy (nee Huddleston) Kertz on March 21, 1972 in Chester, Illinois. He was a devoted , proud, and loving dad to Livie and Maggie Kertz.

Jason was a 1990 graduate of Red Bud High School and a 1994 graduate of Illinois College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He was a talented offensive lineman for the Red Bud Mudhogs. Jason was also a respected assistant football coach for the Red Bud Musketeers as well as for Sparta High School, Routt Catholic High School, and Illinois College. He cared deeply about each of his players and was committed to teaching them each aspect of the game while striving to make them feel accomplished both on and off of the field. He was a big supporter of college football, he loved the game and was happy to watch all day, every day. His favorite team was the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He was a very loyal fan. Everyone who knew him, knew that he always cheered for the Irish with all of his heart and planned his entire day around game time.

Jason worked as a C hemist at Fabick Caterpillar in Fenton, Missouri for the past 10 years. He was passionate about music. While he loved all kinds of music, he was always very vocal about his deep love of big bands and Elvis Presley. Jason loved to be in the middle of the dance floor. He never met a stranger and was always so easy to talk to. Jason will be remembered for his big heart, kind spirit, booming laugh, his love of dancing, sense of humor and deep love of his family.

Jason is survived by his wife - Kelly Kertz of Prairie du Rocher, IL, his d aughters - Livie and Maggie Kertz of Prairie du Rocher, IL, his p arents - Kenneth & Patsy Kertz of Red Bud , I L, his sister - Heather (Gerald, Jr) Poenitske of Ruma, IL, his mother-in-law - Arlene Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, IL, his b rothers-in-law and si sters -in-law - Kathy (Rob) Greenberg of Ringgold , GA, Daryl (Pam) Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, IL, Dean Clerc of St. Charles, MO, Duane Clerc of Prairie du Rocher, IL, and Dan (Janie) Clerc of Bonney Lake, WA, his nieces & nephews -Nathan (Alyssa) Poenit sk e, Andrew Poenit sk e, Jeremy (Ashley) Greenberg, Alissa (Glen) Broom, Jennine (Cody) Weber, Elliot Clerc, Caitlin, Lauren, Maura Clerc, Hannah, Sam and Rachel Clerc and several great nieces and n ephews, aunts, uncles , c ousins and many dear friends.

Jason was preceded in death by his b rother - Chad Patrick Kertz, his grandparents - Robert & Effie Huddleston and Donald & Bernadine Kertz, his father-in-law - Gene Clerc and his sister-in-law - Julie Clerc.

Memorial Service:

11:00 am, Saturday, January 21, 2023

Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud, Illinois

Officiating:

Msgr. Dennis Schaefer

Visitation:

Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

Memorials:

Checks can be made payable to The Kertz Family and donations will be made to various organizations that Jason felt passionately about. Donations will be accepted at        Pechacek Funeral Home or at North County Savings Bank.