Kenneth Gehrig

Kenneth W. "Ken" Gehrig, age 96 of Alhambra, IL, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at home in Alhambra, IL.

Ken was born on November 19, 1929, Edwardsville, Illinois. Son of Ehrhardt & Irma (Foster) Gehrig. He was a graduate of Edwardsville High School. He then graduated from Millikin University and enlisted in U.S. Air Force. After basic training- received appointment to attend Air Force Officer Candidates School and graduated 2nd Lieutenant. He attended and graduated from Officers Communication School with Top-Secret Clearance. Ken was deployed to Far-East Air Command in Japan. When Korean War ended, he was on Active Duty and assigned to Air Force Reserve- attaining Captain rank.

During Active Duty, he married Virginia (Ginger) Wayne, daughter of Robert & Frieda Wayne on June 29, 1952. After service time, Ken & Ginger made their home in Alhambra, and he worked with family at Gehrig's Store Co, Inc. He was a member of Salem U.C.C. and served on several committees including Church Council. Ken also taught Sunday School and was member of Chancel Choir. He is a retired member of Alhambra Fire Department and long-time member of Alhambra American Legion Post 1147. He served on the board of directors for the Illinois Propane Gas Association holding several offices-including Illinois President. Ken enjoyed sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball and St. Louis Blues hockey fan. He loved to play golf and was member of Greenville, Illinois Country Club. Ken enjoyed his hobby of collecting historical memorabilia from the Alhambra area and Salem U.C.C.

Ken is survived by his children, Kathryn A. Gehrig of Saint Peters, MO, Jeffrey W. Gehrig of Alhambra, IL, and JoAnn G. (Jason) Savoie of Kingwood, TX; grandchildren, Nicole L. (David) King, Chase M. Griffey, Erin N. (Derek) Dallas, Alexandra M. Colón and step grandchild - Stacie (Tom) Blevins; great grandchildren - Chandler Griffey, Emmitt M. King, Sophie Jo King, Virginia Dallas, Sloane Dallas, Micah (Bryce) Goss-Kozney and Dacota Blevins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Lee "Ginger" Gehrig (nee Wayne); parents, Ehrhardt Gehrig & Irma (Foster) Gehrig; brother, Don (Ginny) Gehrig; sister-in-law, JoAnn (Bob) Frey; and parents-in-law, Robert & Frieda (Schneider) Wayne.

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, IL, with Rev. Don Wagner, officiating.

Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Alhambra, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alhambra Fire Department or Salem UCC.

Obit Provided By:
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home