Richard Louis Kahne, 90, of Springfield, IL, passed away on July 18, 2025. He was born on April 27, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wi, the son of Stanley Harlove and Lillian Jeanette (Conforti) Kahne in Milwaukee, WI. He married Sandra Ontis on August 24, 2002, and she survives.
He is also survived by his daughters, Kathleen Barrett and Karen Marie (David) Shoemaker; son, Robert (Rikki) Kahne; and stepsons, Kevin E. Rowland of Springfield and Shawn Rowland of Missionville, IA; grandchildren, Michael, Catelynn and Jaxon Kahne, Gabrielle (Luke) Kempf, Garrett (Shayla) Shoemaker, Baileigh Brann, Steven Brann, Marissa (Marcus) Criss, Jessica and Kayla; great grandchildren, Reese Rigg, Ella Rigg, River Shoemaker, Birdie Shoemaker, Colt Kempf, Raelyn, Savannah, Marcus, Jr.; niece, Lynn Sowinski and nephew, Glenn McPherson.
Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret; parents; sister, Mary Lou McPherson; brother-in-law, Gilbert McPherson; and son- in-law, Kenneth Barrett.
After graduating from Von Steuben High School in Chicago in 1953, he worked various jobs before starting at Illinois Bell in 1956. That year he was introduced to Margaret Mary Hedenberg by a coworker, The later became engaged and later married on November 30, 1957. In 1965, he took a voluntary transfer within Illinois Bell to Springfield. In Springfield, he became more and more enmeshed in tourism as well as Abraham Lincoln.
He co-authored/authored two books, “A Walk Through Oak Ridge Cemetery” with Dr. Floyd S. Barringer and “Springfield Illinois” as American Heritage Historical attractions of Lincoln Land guide book and map.
Richard was a faithful member of Eastview Baptist Church. Richard enjoyed learning about history, especially Abraham Lincoln.
The family will host a memorial gathering from 10:00 – 11:00 am, Saturday, August2, 2025, at Eastview Baptist Church with a Celebration of Life following.
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