Kenneth Anthony Fortag

Kenneth Anthony Fortag,  age84, of Centralia, Illinois, peacefully passed away on December 18, 2022.  He was born on January 15, 1938, in Ashley, Illinois.  He was the son of Leo and Elsie (Jansen) Fortag.  He was a lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, and was in sales his entire life, known as “The RC man."  He was passionate about golf and the Centralia Family Moose Lodge 1219, which he is a lifetime member.  He always put family first.  He was a dedicated, kind, loving, and supportive father and grandfather.  He was the foundation of his family.

Kenneth married Willie Mae Gregg and they share a son, Terry Fortag, along with his wife Dunavan in Nashville Tennessee. They divorced and he married Shirley George Crane to which they share 2 daughters, Cynthia Keller and husband Marc, of West Frankfort and Kelly Fortag Parrish and preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bradley Parrish.

Kenneth then married Janet Collinsworth Fortag, and she survives him with stepchildren, Paul Jason Booth, Davalynn Booth, both of Centralia, Illinois, and Tammy Brozovich and husband Jim of Breese, Illinois.

Kenneth had many loving grandchildren who will carry loving memories of their time with him; Kenzie Marcum of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Courtney McAbee and husband Dylan of Carterville, Illinois, Mason Marcum and wife Hannah of O'Fallon, Illinois, Emily Fortag of Nashville Temnnessee, Anthony Jolliff of South Carolina, Travis Kennedy of Centralia, Illinois, Tara Kennedy of Nashville, Illinois, Tonya Kennedy of Breese, Illinois, Hiliary Booth and Heather Jolliff of Centralia, Illinois.  In addition, he was a great-grandfather to 11 great-grandchildren.

Kenneth is survived by siblings; Ed Fortag and wife Tillie of North Carolina, Al Fortag and wife Mary of Bloomington. Illinois, and niece, Jane Friedrich of Centralia, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by both parents; brother, Ralph Fortag; sister, Mary Claire Etheridge, and son-in-law, Brad Parrish.

Per Kenneth’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held from 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the Centralia American Legion Post 446 in Centralia, Illinois.

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