Richard Allen Kirchner, a lifetime farmer who worked his fields right up until the day he
entered the hospital, died in Springfield, IL, on June 28, 2024, after a brief but fierce
battle with pancreatitis. He was 88 years old.
He was born in rural Virginia, IL, on November 28, 1935, to Frederick "Butch" and
Nellie Irene (Fielden) Kirchner. He was the baby of the family, who was especially loved
by his big sister Nelda. He enjoyed showing cattle in 4-H and began his farming career at
the early age of nine.
Rich attended Live Springs Country School, a one-room schoolhouse, through eighth
grade, even driving his teacher to school during the winter months. He attended
Chandlerville High School, where he played quarterback in a leather helmet on their
highly successful football team, was senior class president, and attended Boys State,
eventually graduating in 1953. Soon after, Rich assumed a full-time role on the family
farm, beginning his lifelong passion of farm, family, and faith.
Foll

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