Jean C. Zwilling

Jean C. Zwilling, 88, of Olney, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born on July 22, 1936 in Richland County, IL, the daughter of Edmund and Anna (Fehrenbacher) Volk. She was united in marriage to Norman Zwilling on April 22, 1957 at Holy Cross Church in Wendelin, IL. He preceded her in death on May 25, 2017. They made their home and raised their family in the Stringtown community and were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stringtown.

Jean was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend. Caring and concern for family and friends was a significant part of her life. She was a kind caregiver who recognized the importance of making time for those who had a special need or concern. Caring and cooking for elderly neighbors during the many years she lived on the farm was a big part of her life. She loved tending her garden and the many varieties of flowers she always had growing. Every year she canned all the produce available from the family garden and shared the extras with family and friends. Jean was a wonderful cook and baker and welcomed anyone to her table when the opportunity presented itself.

During her early married life, Jean was a quilter and shared that joy with other ladies of the community who also enjoyed it. They often hosted a day where they would get together at someone's home and work on a quilt while enjoying food and conversation as they worked. She also did custom sewing and alterations for many in the community. Throughout the years, she was active in different capacities within her church and parish, serving as custodian/sacristan for 35 years and volunteering at the parish school. She served as a German Township Trustee for 20 years and was also an election judge for many years.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Rose (Terry) Runyon, son, Thomas (Emily) Zwilling, daughter-in-law, Kathy Zwilling, grandsons, Matthew Runyon (fiancée, Allison Deters) and Nick Zwilling, step-grandsons, Brandon Wirth and Barry Wirth II, step-great-granddaughter, Ellianna Wirth, brothers, Frank Volk, Jerome Volk, and Msgr. Marvin Volk, sister, Ellen (Kuhl) Patridge, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years, son, Joseph Zwilling, granddaughter, Ella Zwilling, infant sister, Ruth Volk, in-laws, John and Bertha Zwilling, brothers-in-law, Arthur Kuhl, Gerald, Richard, Louis, Carl, Victor, and Lawrence Zwilling, sisters-in-law, Linda Volk, Patricia Zwilling, and Magdalene Zwilling, and nephew, Greg Zwilling.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney has been entrusted with arrangements.

A Visitation will be held for friends and family on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stringtown with a visitation beginning one hour before service time at the church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Stringtown.

Memorials may be made to Masses or the Family Life Center in Effingham.