Paul Reckinger, Farm Fresh Owner, Remembered

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The Paul Reckinger family owned and operated the Du Quoin Farm Fresh store for 21 years.

It was a family affair and a hometown success story because of the caring that went on there.

A soft-spoken Chicagoan of German descent who grew up in Chicago and later moved to Southern Illinois, Paul was not only the beloved patriarch of the well-traveled and family owned Chester Dairy franchise store on South Washington Street, but was also the downstate Illinois voice of the Chicago Cubs.

He was never just a fair weather Cubbie, but a loyal fan who day-in and day-out served up both the best dairy products in the Midwest and last night's game commentary at the same time.

He was a disciplined businessman whose family worked long hours--always soft-spoken the consummate gentleman to all he served.

Paul Nicholas Reckinger, 77, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis following complications from a cardiac valve replacement surgery days before, according to family members.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2009 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Monsignor Thomas Flach officiating.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2009 at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Marion. Military rites will be held at the cemetery by VFW Post 1301, American Legion Post 147, and the National Guard.

Mr. Reckinger was born on March 17, 1932 in Chicago to Martin and Catherine (Welbes) Reckinger. He married Betty Bradley on May 24, 1958; together they shared 51 years of marriage.

Survivors include wife, Betty of Du Quoin; daughters, Sue Ann Webb of West Frankfort and Catherine Reckinger of Du Quoin; grandchildren, Jonathan Webb, Megan Webb, Travis Reckinger, and Emily Webb; brother, Martin & Jean Reckinger of Elgin; sister, Louise Sadler of Des Plains; several brother-in-law & sisters-in-law; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Mary Ann Klym and an infant sister; brothers-in-law Tom Klym and Robert E. Sadler.

Paul served in the Army during the Korean conflict.

He was of the Catholic Faith. He owned the Farm Fresh store in Du Quoin for 21 years.

Paul was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He will be missed by all who knew him.