Kids & Family
100 Grandkids and Counting: Illinois Couple Going Strong
One lucky couple marked the momentous occasion of another grandchild in a family that just keeps growing ... and growing ... and growing.
Photos provided to ABC7 by Zanger and Associates
A western Illinois couple has quite the impressive roster of progeny after 59 years together.
Leo and Ruth Zanger of Quincy, IL, recently celebrated the birth of their 100th grandchild. That makes 53 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Great-grandson Jaxton Leo was the latest addition, born April 8 to the couple’s grandson Austin and his wife Ashleigh.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“The good Lord has just kept sending them,” Leo Zanger told The Quincy Herald-Whig. The family “could start our own town.”
The couple had 12 children over the course of 28 years—1956 through 1984. The youngest is 31-year-old Joe, who was an uncle to 10 members of the clan at the time of his birth. Their family also includes children Greg, Debbie, David, Donna, Steve, Mike, Daniel, Ernie, Matt and Chuck.
Find out what's happening in Tinley Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If it’s up to Ruth, their 100th grandchild won’t be their last.
“There’s always room for one more,” Ruth Zanger said.
ALSO ON PATCH
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
