Roy T. Szatkowski

Roy T. Szatkowski, 89, of Central City entered eternal life on December 13, 2018 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia with his loving wife by his side. Roy was born Monday, May 20, 1929 in Streator, IL, the son of Stanley and Regina (Langa) Szatkowski. He married the love of his life Evelyn Barczewski on August 22, 1955 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Radom, IL. In addition to his wife of 63 years, he is survived by his cherished seven children: Mark Szatkowski (Sharon) of Ashley, IL, Michael Szatkowski (Dawn) of Pensacola, FL, Theresa Waterbury (Rick) of Winona, MN, Paul Szatkowski (Jennifer) of Central City, IL, George Szatkowski (Suzie) of Charlottesville, VA, Mary Kosel (Chuck) of Winona, MN, and Daniel Szatkowski (Jeannine) of Crestwood, MO; twenty four precious grandchildren: Amy Johnson, Tracy Karcher, Heather Heern, Matthew Roy Szatkowski, Lisa Bowman, Matthew David Szatkowski, Tim Szatkowski, John Szatkowski, Cory Waterbury, Ryan Waterbury, Sean Waterbury, Beth Waterbury, Andrew Szatkowski, Lance Szatkowski, Tony Szatkowski, David Nicholas Szatkowski, Christopher Szatkowski, Hannah Kosel, Joseph Szatkowski, David Daniel Szatkowski, Luke Szatkowski, and Zachary Szatkowski; twenty-four great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law: Dolores Kachuba of Nashville, IL, Leo and Ruth Ann Barczewski of Nashville, IL, Daniel and Frances Barczewski of Clarksville, TN, and Jerome and Jo Ann Barczewski of Ashley, IL; special family friends Rick and Patty Wheeler. Roy was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Regina Szatkowski, four siblings, granddaughter Sherry Szatkowski, grandson Ben Szatkowski and brother-in-law Sylvester Kachuba. God and family were the most important part of his life. He began elementary school in a one-room school house in Ashley, IL and later attended St. Michael’s School in Radom, IL. Roy graduated from Ashley High School in 1947. He believed in service to his country and community. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion Post 446. Roy was Mayor of Central City for six years, served on the Central City School Board, and served as Scoutmaster when his sons were in Boy Scouts. Roy was a longtime member of the Central City Lions Club and was instrumental in installing the outdoor electrical grid. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He was the owner/ operator of Roy’s Refrigeration from 1959 until his retirement in 1995. He was never afraid of hard work. In their later years, Roy and Evelyn enjoyed traveling throughout the country to polka fests, including a special polka cruise featuring Jimmy Sturr and Mollie B Polka. He enjoyed chasing the balloons at the annual Centralia Balloon Fest and has fond memories attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia with Father Dale Maxfield officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Radom, IL with Military Rites being accorded at the grave site by the American Legion Post 446 and V.F.W. Post 2055. Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 16, 2018 and on Monday, December 17, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. A Rosary Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral home with Father Dale Maxfield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Veteran’s Memorial Tribute at Kaskaskia College or to St. Mary’s School, Centralia, IL. Memorials will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL, (618) 532-3523 which is honored to be of service to the Szatkowski family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Roy T. Szatkowski

May 20, 1929 - December 13, 2018