Norman Charles Kirchhofer (95) of Shumway

Norman Charles Kirchhofer, 95, passed away peacefully at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at his home in Shumway, Illinois.

Norman was born on May 2, 1928 on the family farm to William and Augusta (Stuckemeyer) Kirchhofer. He married Naomi Kopplin on April 24, 1955 at St. Paul Blue Point Lutheran Church in Altamont, IL. He and Naomi began their life together in their new home only a barnyard away from where he grew up in rural Shumway. They enjoyed over 68 years of marriage. Norman was a lifelong farmer, spending over 70 years growing crops and raising livestock. He especially enjoyed caring for his beef cattle during his entire life of farming. In his early farming days, a flock of sheep were also an important part of the family operation. He attended Shumway Grade School in his youth and graduated from Effingham High School in 1946. Norman spent two years serving his country from 1951 to 1953. He graduated from the Southeastern Signal School in Camp Gordon, Georgia, and served in the Army in Germany. Norman had much interest in serving his community. He served on the Effingham County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and also the Effingham-Clay FS Board of Directors for approximately 9 years each. He was a leader for the Shumway Eagles 4-H Club and worked as the Clerk for Banner Township. In his younger days he was an avid player of basketball, baseball, and softball having much success and enjoyment competing in sports in Rural Youth. After starting a family, he spent many hours playing ball with his children and watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports. You would often find him enjoying a variety of local high school sporting events throughout his life. Norman was also a lifelong bowler, as he began playing with a team in the commercial league in 1946 and then bowled in the Lutheran League at the K-Bowl for several decades. Norman always enjoyed a good game of cards, especially Rook, a game of croquet in the front yard, and ping pong with family and friends. Most importantly, Norman was a man of faith. His roots ran deep in creating a Christian foundation for his family and his service to God at Trinity Lutheran Church and then Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway. He served in several capacities in the church. He often wore a big smile and was eager to greet church visitors.

Norman is survived by his wife, Naomi; brother, Bill; and children, Stanley, Darwin (Linda), and Joy Ealy, all of Shumway and Patrick of Peoria. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Brent (Christie), Brian (Whitney), Sarah, and Chad (MaKayla) and Robert (Kala) Ealy, Michael (Lauren) Ealy and Brigette (Zach) Luchtefeld; and 12 great grandchildren.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Clarence, Art, Ervin, and Don; and sister Edna.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway, IL with Pastor Becker officiating. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Shumway with military rites. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway or the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont.

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