Rena Jane Gathard, age 89 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Breese Nursing Home in Breese, IL.
She was born on Saturday, July 27, 1935, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Harvey and Florence (nee Fischer) Zobrist.
On Saturday, November 21, 1953, she married Donald D. Gathard at the First Congregational Church, who passed away on December 8, 1997.
Rena was born in Highland, IL. She graduated from Highland High School in 1953. She was homemaker and then briefly worked at Marine Garment Factory. After her youngest child started school, she went to work at Artex in Highland, IL, in the late 1960s, retiring in 1998. She enjoyed going dancing and eating out with her family and friends, but most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She and her husband Don enjoyed boating on Silver Lake and camping at Mick’s Lake. Rena also helped Don with his cabinet business. Being a seamstress, she often made her children’s own clothes. As a younger woman, she was a member and proud of her 10-year perfect attendance at the Evangelical and Reform Church. After her marriage to Don in 1953, she became a member at First Congregational Church and enjoyed helping in the nursery and the women’s groups.
Survivors include:
- Daughter – Vickie L. (Mark, Sr.) Voegele, Highland, IL
- Son – Scott A (Kathleen) Gathard, Highland, IL
- Grandchildren – Michelle L. (Kevin) Hamilton, Coral Springs, FL
- Grandchildren – Jana K. (Chad) Zurliene, Highland, IL
- Grandchildren – Kimberly M. Gathard, Clarksville, TN
- Grandchildren – Austin S. Gathard, Jamestown, IL
- Step Grandchild – Mark L. (Danielle) Voegele, Jr., Saint Jacob, IL
- Step Grandchild – Catherine R. (Kyle) Jackson, Edwardsville, IL
- Step Grandchild – Nathan T. (Lindsey) Voegele, Mountain Home, AR
- Step Grandchild – Kristin M. (Ryan) Kneedler, Collinsville, IL
- Great Grandchildren – Abigail L. Hamilton, Edwardsville, IL
- Great Grandchildren – Memphis S. Zurliene
- Great Grandchildren – Whitley K. Zurliene
- Great Grandchildren – Presley J. Zurliene
- Step Great Grandchild – Katelyn D. Voegele
- Step Great Grandchild – Olivia G. Jackson
- Step Great Grandchild – Ava E. Jackson
- Step Great Grandchild – Bailey A. Roberts
- Step Great Grandchild – Parker T. Roberts
- Step Great Grandchild – Kalen B. Roberts
- Step Great Grandchild – Josie I. Voegele
- Step Great Grandchild – Eli L. Kneedler
She was preceded in death by:
- Father – Harvey D. Zobrist
- Mother – Florence E. Zobrist
- Daughter – Debra L. Brown
- Brother – Harlan “Arkie” Zobrist
- Sister – Joan Paoletti
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025, and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, with Rev. William E. Kapp, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital or Highland Masonic Lodge #583.
