Terry Zirkelbach
Alton | Save
Terry Eugene Zirkelbach, 67, of Alton, Illinois, passed away at home on September 9, 2026, at 1:45 p.m., surrounded by his family.
Terry was born March 30, 1959, in Alton, Illinois, to Harold Eugene “Gene” Zirkelbach and Viola Ruth Zirkelbach. He graduated from Alton High School in 1977.
On August 3, 1979, Terry married Cynthia “Cindy” Joann Earley in Alton. During their 47 years of marriage, Terry treated Cindy like she was his greatest treasure and did everything in his power to provide her with anything she could ever want or need. Together, they built a family with their two boys and six grandchildren that would become Terry’s greatest source of pride.
Terry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1984 to 1988, attaining the rank of Airman First Class. Following his military service, he continued his career with McDonnell Douglas/Boeing before eventually joining GoJet Airlines, where he remained actively employed as a Structures Manager until his passing. Terry took tremendous pride in both his family and his career.
Terry loved hunting and fishing, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Rams football, St. Louis Blues hockey, Star Wars, classic rock, trap and sporting clays, and playing poker with his friends Dave, Emar, and John. Some of his happiest times were spent at the farm in Kampsville, particularly deer hunting with his sons, Joshua and Jay; his daughter-in-law, Lindsay; and his grandsons. He also treasured memories of fishing on Lake Okeechobee with his grandfather Hank and his father, Gene.
Terry loved being outdoors with his grandchildren. Whether they were hunting, fishing, cutting wood at the farm, or simply spending time together, Grandpa Terry was happiest when they were around.
Terry is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cynthia Joann (Earley) Zirkelbach; father, Harold Eugene “Gene” Zirkelbach; mother in law Diana Mowrey; sons, Joshua and his wife, Lindsay Zirkelbach, of Riverton, and Jeremy “Jay” Zirkelbach and his girlfriend, Marlena, of East Alton; grandchildren, Riley Ann Johnson, Caleb Eugene Zirkelbach, Jacob Aaron Zirkelbach, Lily Jo Zirkelbach, Faith Christine Zirkelbach, and Ruby Leigh Ann Miller; brothers-in-law, Scott Simons, Stan Simons, and Tracy Ingram; and sisters-in-law, Debra Stuart and Dana and her husband, David Brantley; brothers, Tony Zirkelbach and Tom and his wife, Deanna Zirkelbach.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Ruth Zirkelbach; grandparents, Henry and Lucille Steward, Greg and Beulah Zirkelbach; Uncle James "Rudy" Zirkelbach; cousins Steven Zirkelbach, James "Jimmy" Zirkelbach; fathers-in-law, Larry Earley, James Mowrey; Cynthia’s grandparents, Ben and Letha Earley, Delbert Hyman, and Nellie Fischer; and Cynthia’s aunt Nancy Weston.
Terry leaves behind much more than a list of accomplishments or dates. He leaves behind 47 years of marriage; two sons who carry his lessons with them; grandchildren who knew just how proud Grandpa was of them; and a family he loved fiercely. He quickly became a big brother to Scott and Stan when they lost their father. He leaves behind friends who became family, countless stories, more than a few unforgettable Terry-isms, and rooms that will never feel quite the same without him walking into them.
Terry’s family and friends will gather for a Memorial Service at Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State Street, Alton, Illinois, on September 27, 2026, with services beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Celebration of Life immediately following.
Gent Funeral Home
