Charles F. Kaffenberger

Herrin- CHARLES FREDERICK CHICK KAFFENBERGER, age 85, of Herrin, passed away at 9:30pm on Friday, December 8, 2006 at his residence in Herrin. Charles was born in Carmi, IL on February 4, 1921, the fourth child to George A. and Katherine (Friedmann) Kaffenberger. He married Vivian Taylor Sullivan on September 20, 1965 and together they shared 41 years of marriage. She survives in Herrin. After graduating from Carmi High School in 1939, Chick worked at Sutton Shoe Store until enlisting in the United States Air Force on September 12, 1941. As a World War II Veteran, he was a member of the famous Flying Tigers 14th United States Air Force division under General Claire Chennault, flying over the hump into China in October of 1944. Charles was a supply clerk for the 90th Airborn squadron in Cheng Kung, China. He then joined the 51st fighter group where he served as the radio operator located in the base of the wooden control tower. Chick was transferred to the 16th fighter squadron where he served as a mechanic and fuel supply specialist behind the Japanese enemy lines on the beaches of Pakhoi, China , which is presently known as Beibai, China, until V.J. Day. After the war, Chick worked several jobs in Southern Illinois, including a long stint with an electric power company in Carmi. In 1967, he took a position at the Federal Penitentiary in Marion, retiring in 1987. He was an avid hunter, bird dog trainer, outdoorsman and gardener. After retirement, he resided in Herrin with his wife, Vivian. Together, they were a pillar for their family and friends. Charles was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin and a member of the American Federated Government Union. Survivors include- Wife- Vivian Taylor (Sullivan) Kaffenberger- Herrin, IL Grandson- Dustin & Melinda Pendall- Collinsville, IL 3 Great Grandchildren- Zena, Gwendolyn and Caitlyn Pendall- Collinsville, IL Sister- Theresa Rider- Marysville, Ohio Nephews- Tom, Pat and Mitch Mitchell Nephew and Niece-In-Law- Michael & Ann Sutton Nephew and Niece-In-Law- John & Becky Sutton Nephews- Tony, Roger & Tim Rider Niece and Nephew-In-Law- Ann (Mitchell) & Ray Azbell Nieces- Connie Johnson and Jane Jones Step-Granddaughter- Dana West- Johnston City, IL Step- Great Grandson- Matthew West- Johnston City, IL Dear Friend- Louie Gualdoni- Herrin, IL Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter- Zena Ann (Pendall) Sullivan, brothers-John Robert and Frank Kaffenberger, sisters- Mary Elizabeth Tedner, Rita Jo Mitchell, and Rosalie Sutton,Sister-In-Law- Mary Kaffenberger, brothers-in-law- Alva E. Mitchell and Percy Sutton, and cousin- Sue Emery. A funeral mass will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, December 11, 2006 at Our Lady of Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, with Monsignor Ken Schaefer and Rev. Danny Friedmann officiating. Burial will follow at San Carl Cemetery with military rites performed by Herrins VFW and American Legion Posts. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm on Sunday, December 10, 2006 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com