Curtis Kohring passed to his next adventure July 30th, 2023, age 82. Curt was a very loving husband to Mary Ann (Vogelsang), very proud father to Sheila (Dan), Eric (Emily), and Bryan (Renee), and exceptionally proud grandfather of Taylor, Jacob, Ella and Macey. He will be missed by family and friends (including the families of Marjorie Becker, Madelyn and Chuck Loftin, Maureen and Rodney Buchek and Sandy Kohring). Curt committed his life to helping others with a career working and advocating for people with disabilities (Goodwill, Chicago and START, Murphysboro, Illinois) and volunteering at grassroot charities, most recently Feed My People (St. Louis). Those wishing to remember Curt may donate to Feed My People, or to reach out with kindness to another in need. Curt would have liked that
A celebration of Curtis’s life will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Holy Trinity Lutheran ELCA (5000 Kerth Dr, St. Louis, MO 63128) at 11 a.m.
A KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY service.
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Curt Kohring. I knew Curt in three capacities: as a father to Sheila, Eric, and Bryan; as the Executive Director of START; and as a fellow community volunteer for civic groups like Murphysboro Main Street. Curt was both a mentor and a friend. He was frequently asked to speak upon behalf of clients, staff, and volunteers for different groups because he always had the right words to say. He was a tireless advocate for his causes and his community. Like many others, I sought out and trusted Curt’s advice during difficult times. I will miss him terribly.
I am sorry to hear of Curt’s passing, he was a wonderful person and I’m glad to have had the pleasure of calling him my friend. He was blessings to me and my community and he will be missed. Blessing to his family and may God give you all strength to make it through this trying time. You are all in my prayers
Janis Hutchinson
God’s Helping Hand
I was most saddened to discover, recently, of Curt’s passing. I had the privilege of working closely with Curt during my tenure as Region 5, Southern Network Facilitator for the State of Illinois, Division of Developmental Disabilities.
First and foremost, Curt was a gentlemen of integrity as well as a diligent and articulate advocate for persons with developmental disabilities. START’s stellar reputation in Southern Illinois is due in large measure to Curt’s leadership, persona and genuine respect for others.
I extend my deepest and most sincere sympathy to Curt’s family.
Alan L. Cherrick
Chicago, Illinois