SR0524 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0524 LRB104 16585 ECR 29984 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Father Daren J. Zehnle of Quincy, who passed away on November 27, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle, the son of George W. "Bill" and Patricia (Szarka) Zehnle, was born in Quincy on March 26, 1978; he graduated from Quincy High School in 1996, Quincy University in 2000, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary in 2005; he was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield on May 28, 2005; he later completed graduate studies in canon law at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy from 2013 to 2016; at the time of his passing, he was completing postgraduate studies to receive his Master of Arts in Liturgy at the Liturgical Institute, University of St. Mary of the Lake; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle served as parochial vicar at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham from July 2005 to September 2009, where he also taught at St. Anthony High School and served as an assistant coach of the boys' soccer, wrestling, and track teams; he became pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Virden and St. Patrick Parish in Girard in September 2009 before also becoming pastor at Holy Cross Parish in Auburn in July 2010, serving all three parishes until January 2011; he served as priest secretary, episcopal master of ceremonies, and associate director of the Office for Vocations from January 2011 to June 2013; he also served as a parochial vicar at St. Agnes Parish in Springfield, associate director of the Office for Divine Worship and the Catechumenate, and chief master of ceremonies from 2016 to 2017; he then served as pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Ashland from 2017 to 2024 while simultaneously serving as pastor of St. Peter Parish in Petersburg from 2019 to 2021; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle was currently serving as director of the Office for Divine Worship and the Catechumenate, an adjutant judicial vicar, a judge in the diocesan tribunal, an episcopal delegate for Matrimonial Concerns, and a censor librorum; he was further serving as director of campus ministry and an adjunct professor of theology at Quincy University and as the spiritual director for Great River TEC (Teens Encounter Christ); he also regularly provided sacramental assistance at all of Quincy's Catholic parishes; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle was a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle had a passion for the liturgy and a great devotion to the Holy Face of Manoppello in Italy; he enjoyed studying family genealogy, drinking Dr. Pepper, reading, and traveling, especially to Hawaii; he loved the City of Quincy, Quincy University, J.R.R. Tolkien, the Venerable Augustus Tolton, Saint Marianne Cope, and Saint Damien of Molokai; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle will be remembered for the countless lives he touched throughout his lifetime of service; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother in infancy; his aunt, Mary Reckers; and his cousin, Brian W. Reckers; and

WHEREAS, Father Zehnle is survived by his brother, David Zehnle; his nephew, Matthew Zehnle; his uncle, Robert J. "Bob" Reckers; and his cousins, Robert S. "Rob" Reckers, Denise Poepping, and Daniel J. Reckers; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Father Daren J. Zehnle and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Father Zehnle as an expression of our deepest sympathy.