Franziska (Zirkel) Childers

     Franziska Childers, age 80 of Harrisburg, passed away at 9:23 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion.

     Franziska was born on December 11, 1945 in Frankfurt, Germany to the late Karl and Erna (Steube) Zirkel.  On October 5, 1967 she married Kenneth “Pete” Childers in Frankfurt, Germany and he preceded her in death on September, 22, 2022.  She worked for The Daily Register as a Typesetter and also at the White Lace Inn as a housekeeper.  Franziska was a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and bird watching, especially hummingbirds.  Franziska loved spending time with her kids and grandkids.

     Franziska is survived by her two children, son, John Childers of Harrisburg; daughter, Stephanie Betts and husband, Norman of Harrisburg; six grandchildren, Brianna Childers of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Bailey Childers of Creal Springs; Nickolaus Childers of Labelle, Florida; Josh Betts and wife, Jasmine of Indianapolis; Joseph Betts and wife, Madison of Maysville, North Carolina; Derrick Hawkins and wife, Takara of Junction City, Kansas; three great grandchildren, Maxton Hawkins of Junction City, Kansas; Coltor Hawkins of Junction City; and Hallie Betts of Maysville; brother, Klaus Zirkel of Germany; brother, Jurgen Zirkel of Germany; sister, Margot Fading of Germany; sister, Kathe Skivers and husband, John of Edwardsville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

     In addition to her parents and husband, “Pete”, Franziska was preceded in death by her brother, Karl Zirkel Jr.; sister, Irene Gietl; sister, Hedwig Ellis; and sister, Helene Weithofer.

    Memorial services for Franziska Childers will be held at a later date.

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