Services set for fallen New Baden fire chief Ken McLaughlin

Ken McLaughlin    New Baden Fire Chief Ken McLaughlin died peacefully last Wednesday, Nov. 5, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon. He was 63 years old.
    McLaughlin has dedicated his life to public service, leading the New Baden Fire Department as chief since 2018. He brought more than 20 years of firefighting experience to the role and was deeply respected by his fellow firefighters and community.
    New Baden Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Schomaker described McLaughlin as both a great leader and a close friend.
    "He led the fire department with pride and dignity," said Schomaker. "It was a great privilege to work and learn from him. Ken served our community with courage, integrity and unwavering commitment. He will truly be missed by me and the whole New Baden Fire Department."
    A proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, McLaughlin also was a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus, and an active member of St. George Parish in New Baden.
    He had a great passion for the outdoors, often enjoying hunting and fishing trips with his sons and friends.
    McLaughlin is survived by his wife, Robin, of New Baden; their children, Christopher and Meghan McLaughlin of Alaska, Nicole and Robert Fetterer of St. Louis, and John and Rachel McLaughlin of Sedalia, Missouri; and grandchildren Mark and Lorelei McLaughlin, and excited to welcome his soon-to-be grandchild this coming May.
    An enthusiastic supporter of the New York Mets and New York Giants, McLaughlin found his true joy in spending time with his grandchildren, who brought immense happiness to his life. He was deeply loved and respected by many.
    Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 3 until 7 p.m. at Nordike Funeral Home in New Baden. The Knights of Columbus will honor McLaughlin with a chalice service at 6 p.m., followed by a First Responder Honorary Walk Through at 6:45 p.m.
    A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden.
    To honor McLaughlin's service, The Flagman's Mission Continues will place up to 600 American flags around New Baden on Wednesday in tribute to the fallen chief.
    In honor of McLaughlin's memory, contributions may be made to the Backstoppers Organization and sent to Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover St., New Baden, IL 62265, or made directly on the link provided in the obituary online (www.nordikefuneralhome.com).
    Full obituary information can be found on page 4A.