David E. Zachgo, 80, of Danforth, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Riverside Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 11:00 service with Pastor Philip Sandi and Pastor Tim Tammen officiating. Burial will follow at the Danforth Cemetery.
Dave was born August 25, 1942, in Springfield, IL to George and Margaret “Peg” (Spengler) Zachgo, while his father was serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was baptized into the Christian faith on August 29, 1943 at the Army Air Base Chapel in Portland, Oregon. He was confirmed on March 25, 1956 at St. John’s, Danforth by Pastor Carl E. Boebel. Dave married the love of his life, Willene Ruth Dexter on November 16, 1963 in Clinton, IL.
Besides his wife of 59 years, he is survived by a son, Mark (Dawn) Zachgo of Independence, MO, a daughter, Lynne (Mark) Olson of Gilman; four grandchildren, Erin (Anthony) Fund of Peoria, Brandon Olson of Edwardsville, Nicholas (Catherine) Zachgo of Moscow Mills, MO, Alex Zachgo of Independence, MO; 2 sisters, Anne (Joe) Hampton of Windsor, Lisa (Kenton) Carley of Milford, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Following his father’s discharge from military service, Dave grew up on the family farm north of Danforth. He attended grade school in Ashkum and Danforth, except during the time his father was activated by the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. At that time, Dave attended grade school in Rapid City, SD. He graduated from Gilman High School with the Class of 1960. During his high school days, he was active in sports, especially football, which he played with vigor. As a senior, he received the football MVP award. He was also active in the music department, where he was often a soloist. Following graduation, Dave enrolled in Greer Technical Institute in Braidwood, IL, where he received a diploma in Construction Equipment and Diesel Mechanics.
Because the Vietnam War was escalating, Dave knew he would likely be drafted soon. Instead of waiting for the draft, he decided to enlist in the U. S. Army Reserves. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, KY for basic training, then sent to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO for advanced training with the Corps of Engineers.
After his marriage to Willene, Dave took over the farming and dairy operations on the Zachgo Family farm. When an opportunity presented itself to join the L. E. Myers Highline Construction Company in Decatur, IL, he seized it because it would give him a chance to use some of his training from Greer Tech. He continued the farming operation, but time constraints didn’t allow him to continue with the dairy. Later, he became an apprentice in the electrical trade with the same company. Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, he advanced to foreman of an electrical highline construction crew. After 15 years with the L. E. Myers Company, he took the same type of position with CIPS (now Ameren) in Gilman, IL. His work in the electrical highline trade took him all over Illinois, as well as other states, especially if ice storms, tornadoes, or hurricanes had caused massive power outages. He was not afraid of heights, and actually enjoyed climbing poles before the use of bucket trucks came into being. On at least one occasion, he climbed to the top of a 90 foot pole and surveyed the surrounding farms, grain elevators, and small towns up and down I-57. He also enjoyed competing in the International Electrical Highline Rodeo, where his team competed against teams from around the world in events such as the speed climb and pole top rescue. Even though he was older than many of his competitors, he always placed high in the standings.
Dave was a very community-minded person who served on several local boards throughout the years, including the president’s role in each. He served on the Board of the parent organization of Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, the Lutheran Home for the Aged Development Corporation. Dave was instrumental during the construction of Luther Place and was very adamant that the new construction should also include a rehab facility so that local residents would not have to drive so far to receive treatment. He served on the church council of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Danforth, where he was a life-long member. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for both the Gilman-Danforth and the Iroquois West Community School Districts for a total of 32 years. He helped to make a smooth transition during consolidation with Onarga in 1983. Dave believed in quality education for all students so they would be prepared for college, trade school, or the workforce, while at the same time holding the line on spending for the sake of taxpayers. At times, it was quite a balancing act! As an athlete himself, Dave supported the athletic department, but was an even greater supporter of the music department, especially when he could see that, at times, there were efforts to short-change the program. He had been part of the music program during the years when Gilman High School band and chorus achieved state champion status in Illinois. He was thrilled when his grandchildren were also part of an excellent music program that earned state champion status.
Dave had many other interests, one of which was traveling. As a history buff, he enjoyed visiting historical places he had read about. He and Willene traveled throughout the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. He also enjoyed traveling abroad, where he even got the hang of driving on the ‘wrong’ side of the road. In Australia, his climbing instincts kicked in when he arrived at Ayers Rock (Uluru to the aborigines), and he climbed the 2800 feet to the top of the big red rock.
Dave was definitely family oriented. He enjoyed watching all the activites of his children and grandchildren, attending family reunions, and visiting relatives near and far that were part of his genealogy. He was even able to visit the beautiful church where his 5th great grandfather had been the church organist in Germany for 30 years. This same musician/composer was a music teacher to young G. F. Handel, who composed The Messiah.
Dave was also one to lend a helping hand to those in need. One such incident involved stopping to assist victims of a traffic accident along an icy I-57. He received a letter of commendation from the Illinois State Police for his efforts.
Dave was a teacher. He passed on his farming and mechanical skills to his son. He took time to teach special techniques and safety precautions to young guys breaking into the electrical highline trade.
Unfortunately, it was during a storm job near Springfield in 2003 that Dave received very serious head injuries that left him partially paralyzed. Even so, he enjoyed 20 more years with his family. He loved being Grandpa!
Memorials in Dave’s name may be given to Prairieview Lutheran Home or to St. John’s Lutheran Church, both in Danforth, or to the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are being made by Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.
