Tom Kirchner, founder of NOTS Logistics, passes away jan. 19

Mr. Thomas A. Kirchner of Nashville, IL departed this life at Washington County Hospital in Nashville, IL on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 2:37 AM.  He had attained the age of 79 years, 7 months and 17 days.

Tom was born on June 2, 1941 in St. Louis, MO the son of Andrew and Geraldine (Cummings) Kirchner.  He was united in marriage to Patricia Mary Czuba on May 22, 1965 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana, CA and she survives his passing. 

Tom was fearless in all aspects of his life.  As a young man, he sought adventure leaving home to pave his own path, hitchhiking when necessary and later joining the United States Marine Corps.  Stationed out of Long Beach, CA, he served as a U.S. Marine from 1959 – 1962.  While enlisted, he spent time on a carrier skirting the perimeter of Cuba’s coast at the early onset of the Cuban Missile Crisis and later awaiting orders in the waters surrounding Vietnam prior to U.S. involvement.  After his military service, he explored a multitude of careers from working as a Good Humor Ice Cream truck driver to making pizzas to working on NASA’s Apollo Space Mission to installing dishwashers to dispatching for the railroad.  His experiences as a young boy working in his father’s self-owned local grocery store in south St. Louis had taught him much about independent business.  Tom’s biggest career adventure then began in 1981 when he and his wife bought Norrenberns Truck Service, a one truck operation, and together with his children built it into a thriving community-based business.  Additionally, he started many other businesses which he left for his children to carry on his legacy.  

He was a member at St. Ann Catholic Church in Nashville, IL, the American Legion Post 110, and the Nashville Lions Club.  Tom’s family meant everything to him.  He loved being with his grandchildren and children, spending every day with his wife Pat in Illinois and especially the winters in Arizona, visiting with his friends who lived close by and far away, and driving his tractor and side by side.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife Patricia “Pat” Kirchner of Nashville, IL; 6 children, Andy Kirchner and wife Karen of Nashville, David Kirchner and wife Brandy of Carlyle, Jennifer Brink and husband Kevin of Nashville, Sara Kollbaum and husband Michael of Nashville, Tim Kirchner of Nashville, and Vicki Povolish and husband Jason of Nashville; 20 grandchildren, Becky (Michael) Palko, Cindy (Beau) McDonald, Allison Kirchner, Joe Kirchner, Ashley (special friend Nolan) Kirchner, Tyler Kirchner, Dawson Reinacher, Michael Kirchner, Kyle (Kelsey) Brink, Ryan Brink, Zack Brink, Sabrina Kollbaum, Daphne Kollbaum, Samuel Kollbaum, Grady Kirchner, Declan Kirchner, Hayden Kirchner, Lily Kirchner, Addison Povolish, and Owen Povolish; two great grandchildren, Madelyn Brink and one on the way; sister, Pat Ruegg and husband Don of Robertsville, MO; numerous loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved family members.

A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church in Nashville, IL on Saturday, January 23, 2021 with Fr. Andy Knopik officiating.  Burial with full military honors by American Legion Post 110 will follow in the St. Ann New Catholic Cemetery in Nashville, IL.

Friends may call at the Campagna Funeral Home in Nashville, IL on Saturday from 9 AM until 11:30 AM. COVID-19 restrictions will be followed, face coverings required, and social distancing implemented, with a limited number of visitors in the funeral home at any time. Please be respectful of time so other visitors may pay their respects to the family.

Should friends desire, mass offerings or memorials can be made to the American Legion Post 110 or the St. Ann New Cemetery and will be accepted by the Campagna Funeral Home.

At NOTS Logistics, our coworkers are the driving force behind everything we do. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence make it possible for us to deliver exceptional service to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve. That’s why taking time to recognize and celebrate our employees is an important part of our culture.

On Wednesday, June 19th, NOTS Logistics proudly hosted an Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout at our Nashville, Illinois location. The event brought together coworkers from across our operations to enjoy great food, connect with one another, and celebrate the contributions that make our organization stronger every day.

Bringing Our Team Together

The cookout welcomed all full-time, part-time, PSA, TRSC, and NMS/North Operations employees, creating an opportunity for team members from various roles and departments to gather outside of their daily responsibilities. Events like this allow coworkers to build stronger relationships, share experiences, and foster the sense of connection that defines the NOTS Logistics culture.

Creating opportunities for employees to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting helps strengthen teamwork and encourages collaboration across the organization. Whether working in operations, administration, or support roles, each employee plays a vital part in our success, and this event was designed to celebrate that shared purpose.

A Classic Summer Celebration

The cookout featured classic summer favorites, including hamburgers, bratwurst, and a variety of delicious sides that everyone could enjoy. The casual atmosphere allowed employees to unwind, enjoy a meal together, and take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules.

While the food was certainly a highlight, the true focus of the event was appreciation — recognizing the effort, dedication, and positive energy our coworkers bring to the workplace every day. The cookout provided a space for laughter, conversation, and connection, reinforcing the strong relationships that help define our workplace culture.

Celebrating Our Culture of Appreciation

As a family-owned company, NOTS Logistics has always prioritized people first. We believe that a supportive work environment leads to greater engagement, stronger performance, and lasting success. Showing appreciation for our coworkers is not simply an annual activity — it is a core part of how we operate.

The Employee Appreciation BBQ reflects our ongoing commitment to:

  • Recognizing employee contributions and celebrating achievements

  • Building strong workplace relationships across teams and departments

  • Fostering a positive and supportive culture where employees feel valued

  • Encouraging connection and engagement among coworkers

By investing in our employees and recognizing their hard work, we continue to build an environment where individuals feel respected, supported, and motivated to succeed.

The Importance of Employee Recognition

Employee appreciation events play an important role in strengthening organizational culture. Taking time to acknowledge the dedication of our workforce helps reinforce the values that guide NOTS Logistics — teamwork, respect, and commitment to excellence.

When employees feel valued, they are more engaged in their work, more connected to their teams, and more motivated to contribute to organizational goals. Events like the BBQ cookout serve as a reminder that every role matters and every contribution helps move our company forward.

At NOTS Logistics, we understand that our success is directly tied to the people who make up our team. Their efforts, expertise, and positive attitudes allow us to continue growing, innovating, and delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers.

Gratitude for Our Nashville Team

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout and helped make the event such a success. Your continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are what make NOTS Logistics a great place to work and a trusted partner for our customers.

We are incredibly proud of our Nashville team and all our coworkers across every location. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our organization and supporting our communities.

Looking Ahead

At NOTS Logistics, we remain committed to creating opportunities that celebrate our people, strengthen our culture, and support our teams. Events like the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout reflect our ongoing mission to invest in our coworkers and build an environment where everyone can thrive.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us for a day of great food, connection, and celebration. We appreciate you — today and every day.

Connect With Us

Main Office

17848 Mockingbird Road
Nashville, IL 62263

Email:

sales@notslogistics.com
Phone: (800) 642-5436
Fax: (618) 478-5356