CENTRALIA — Kenneth Anthony Fortag, 84, of Centralia, IL, peacefully passed away on December 18, 2022.

Born January 15, 1938, in Ashley Illinois. He was the son of Leo and Elsie (Jansen) Fortag. He was a lifelong resident of Centralia and was in sales his entire life, known as “The RC man” he was passionate about golf and The 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 son-in-law, Bradley Parrish.

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

Kenneth had many loving grandchildren who will carry loving memories of their time with him. Kenzie Marcum of Mt. Vernon, Courtney McAbee and husband Dylan, of Carterville, Mason Marcum and wife Hannah of Ofallon, Emily Fortag of Nashville TN, Anthony Jolliff of South Carolina, Travis Kennedy of Centralia, Tara Kennedy of Nashville, IL, Tonya Kennedy of Breese, Hiliary Booth and Heather Jolliff of Centralia. 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 and Neice Jane Friedrich of Centralia.

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

Per Kenneth’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, 618-532-3523, are honored to be of service to Kenneth’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.