Armington, IL — Royce J. Gottschalk, 86, of Armington, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Hopedale Nursing Home in Hopedale.
Funeral Services for Royce will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln, IL, with Mr. Michael Mallick officiating.
Visitation will be held on Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service.
Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in rural Stanford, IL.
Royce Jacob Gottschalk was born on May 29,1940 in Normal, Illinois, the son of Roy Jacob and Zella Glenn Gottschalk. He was united in marriage to Mary E. Lay on December 16, 1962 at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal. She survives.
Also surviving are his children: Kristy (Brad) Wade of McLean, Robin (Mike) Drawhon of Deer Creek, and Tim (Holly) Gottschalk of Armington; grandchildren: Amy (Andy) Behrens of McLean, Jacob (Tiffany) Wade of Heyworth, Zack (Jessica) Drawhon of Tremont, Brandon (Mallory) Drawhon of Heyworth, Bryson (Jenna) Gottschalk of Minier, Brock Gottschalk of Armington, Brynlee (fiance Henry Kaufman) Gottschalk of Morton; twelve great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Rachel (Jim) Wilson of Danvers and Crystal (Tom) Kerwin of St. Charles.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one great-grandson, Gabriel Behrens.
Royce graduated from Stanford High School in 1958. He was a lifetime farmer in the Armington, Minier, and Stanford area. He received the FFA American Farmer Degree in October of 1959. He served in the Army National Guard in Bloomington from 1959 – 1965. He is a member of Jefferson Street Christian Church in Lincoln.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home in Atlanta, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.
2 Responses
Dear Mary and Family, I was so sorry to hear that Royce had passed away! We know that now he is at peace. I pray that all of you will feel at peace. too! You all cared for him with such love and kindness. He was blessed to have you all as his family. Love to you, Betty Ann Yoder
Thank you Betty Ann, We are so thankful that he does not have to live in the body that was so frustrating to him. I appreciated your encouragement and kindness while at Luther Oaks. Hope all is going well for you.
Blessings, Mary