Christina Kohlmeier

Christina "Chris" Kohlmeier, 57, of Irvington, Illinois, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and service to others. Born on December 18, 1968, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of the late Sterling “Skip” Hamilton and Paula (Mefford) Hamilton. On September 14, 1991, she married the love of her life, Jeff Kohlmeier, at Towerview Baptist Church in Belleville, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and helping others. Chris dedicated much of her life to serving her community. She worked as a paraprofessional with the Irvington Grade School District for the past eight years and proudly volunteered with the Irvington Fire Protection District. Her caring heart and willingness to help anyone in need touched countless lives. She lived in Belleville from 1968 until 1993, New Baden from 1993 to 2003, New Athens from 2003 to 2016, before making Irvington her home in 2016. Chris found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved cooking, playing the piano, listening to music and caring for children. Chris found solace in swimming or simply floating away in her swimming pool at home. She also enjoyed volunteering at Eastview Baptist Church and helping with Shop with the Firefighter Program for the children of Irvington for Christmas, they make sure local children would receive a present for Christmas. Chris had a passion for helping with fundraisers, whether it was for cystic fibrosis, cancer, benefits, and the Irvington Fire Association, she would supply her famous barbecue. More than anything, Chris cherished time spent with her family and friends, always putting others before herself. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jeff Kohlmeier of Irvington; her children, Kyle Kohlmeier and fiance Shania Huge of Hoyleton and Brittney Kohlmeier of Irvington; her mother, Pauline "Paula" Hamilton; her brother, Sterling Hamilton Jr. (Tiffany) of Waterloo, Illinois; brother-in-law, Kurt Kohlmeier of New Baden; sister-in-law: Kelly Endsley and husband David of Troy, Missouri; her nieces, Alyssa Hamilton of Waterloo and Haley Endsley of Troy, Missouri ; nephews: Cameron Kohlmeier of New Baden and Blake Endlsey of Troy, Missouri; her great-niece, Reilly Johnson; her great-nephew, Chase Johnson; her dear friend, Doris Parker, who was like a second mother; along with many cousins, extended family members, and treasured friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Sterling “Skip” Hamilton; second father: Cortland Parker, her niece, Jennifer Hamilton; her mother- and father-in-law, Janet and Willard Kohlmeier; her grandparents; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. In keeping with Chris’s generous spirit, she was an organ donor, giving the gift of life through the donation of her lungs and liver. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, August 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Terry Crownover officiating. A Visitation will be held Friday evening from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or the Irvington Fire Protection District and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Chris's Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Chris Kohlmeier, please visit our Sympathy Store. Christina will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her unwavering love for her family, and the compassion she showed to everyone she met. Her kindness and selflessness will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Christina Kohlmeier

December 18, 1968 - August 4, 2026