Kenneth Lee Papproth, 67, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Born July 11, 1957, he lived in Collinsville his whole life. Son of Josephine (nee Lawrence) and Ronald Papproth of Collinsville, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, twin sister Karen Papproth, brother Bud Dill, Brother-in-laws Steve Buffo, Keith Nordike, Terry Eversgerd, and Terry Dill. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 48 years, Deanna L. (nee Nordike) Papproth, his daughters Christine (Ervin) Gibson and Samantha (Mike) Boedeker from Collinsville, IL. As well as his very special and loving grandsons Chase, Ryan, Seth Gibson, Logan Boedeker and soon-to-arrive great granddaughter Octavia Gibson. Also surviving are his brothers Louis (Janie) Papproth of Caseyville, Donald Papproth of Collinsville, Billy George Papproth of Collinsville; sisters Sharon Buffo of Troy, Debbie (John) Mitchell of Collinsville, Linda (Dale) Agne, Brenda (Bill) Vance of Lebanon, IL; brother-in-laws Geoffrey (Linda) Clenney of Collinsville, Bill (Liz) Nordike of Granite City, Dennis Bradley of Caseyville, Kelly (Cheryl) Eversgerd of Germantown , IL; Sister-in-laws Lisa Clenney of Caseyville, Sharon (Buzz) Seelkoefer of New Baden, Vickie (Squig) Fuekne of Damianville, IL, Donna (Alan) Deien of Breese, IL, Becky Nordike of Aviston, IL; mother-in-law Donna (Greg) Homyer of Granite City; and lots of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Kenny was a self taught mechanic, having worked for Hamlin Casting in Edwardsville, IL as a grinder and molder for electrical parts. He worked for Brooks Foods in Collinsville as a line worker, forklift operator, and dock loader. He was a warehouseman, forklift operator, loader and driver for Bethel Eckert Enterprises, also of Collinsville. In Fairmont City, he worked for Brenntag who took over Petra Industries as a forklift operator and a do-it-all sort of man.

Kenny always had a story or joke to tell. It was always said that he had "the gift of gab!" He loved to cut-up and make people laugh, from co-workers to bosses; he always found a way to make their day. He would talk to anyone and everyone; for he never truly knew a stranger. When Kenny realized he wouldn't be able to go back to work, he was very upset to lose his relationship with his "work family". He lost his every day purpose of getting up. He really missed all of the wonderful people he worked with.

Kenny's love for his family was evident in all aspects of his life. From sharing pictures of adventures to the antics of his grandsons and their accomplishments. How wonderful it was for him to have such helpful, loving, respectful grandsons. They made him proud of the great young men that they have turned out to be. He was always excited to hear their stories and to see their pictures and videos of things they would do and be up to.

Kenny was known for being able to work on anything. He could come up with ways to make just about anything and would always surprise everyone with his talents. Whether it be with cars, boats, motorhomes, houses, or just his ability to get all around great deals on things. You need it? Just tell Kenny and he would come across it somewhere, somehow. Kenny would always take the time to help someone whether he personally knew them or not.

Kenny loved his music and he loved it loud. He also loved his beer, boating, camping with his family and friends, and fishing. Although, he always caught more cans than he did actual fish! He will always be remembered for his famous Kenny "shuffle" when he danced. It was something you just had to see.

Kenny's family finds comfort in knowing he loved his life, lived it to the fullest, filled with love and laughter, making memories galore. That is a sort of comfort no one could take away.

A visitation to celebrate Kenny's life will be at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, IL on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 2-8 p.m. A short memorial service will immediately follow at 8 p.m. with a private burial for family members at a later date. For those attending the visitation and memorial service, please come as you are. Kenny didn't care how you were dressed in life; only that you were actually a part of his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kenny's name to his family, Unity Hospice and Palliative Care of Collinsville , The American Cancer Society , or a non-kill animal shelter of your choice.