Kewanee – John E. Gorman, 66, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at his home in Kewanee, Ill. John was a spirited person and consummate storyteller, known for his humor, generosity and quick wit. A larger-than-life personality, John enjoyed every day and lived out loud. He also knew his way around a cold Bud Light. Throughout his life he carried the legacy of being a proud Army brat which instilled in him a sense of resilience and adaptability. He was able to find common ground with everyone he encountered. It was said that John never met a stranger and brought smiles with him everywhere he went.

John served his country in the U.S. Army in the Medical Corp. where he had the distinction of being named “Soldier of the Cycle” and recognized as the top performing recruit in his class. At one time he was a skilled welder, working on nuclear submarines. He spent much of his career as a very successful automobile salesman. He was so good at sales that colleagues would describe him as being able to: “sell ice cubes to Eskimos.” At the time of his passing, he worked as prep cook and maintenance man at the Dairy Queen in Kewanee.

In high school, John was an accomplished football player and golfer and was offered an athletic scholarship upon graduation. In his later years he enjoyed throwing darts and shooting pool, participating in many league competitions.

John was born in a U.S. Army ambulance on Aug. 7, 1959, to Irving T. and Ernestine (Croft) Gorman in Wertheim, Germany. He spent six years of his life in Germany in several different cities, including Wertheim, Sogel and Frankfurt.

John is survived by his son, Mike (Katie) Rose of Batavia, Wisc.; daughter, Stephanie (Joshua) Green of Pflugerville, Texas; brother, Irv (Michelle Day) Gorman of Chicago, Ill.; niece Maya Gorman, grandsons Austin Rose and Finnegan Green, granddaughters Genessa Seal, Geneva (Julie) Sullivan, and Aedan Green; great grandchildren Nova and Leila Rose and his two cats who he absolutely adored Jack and Goofball.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Aug. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at the Golnick Family Funeral Home 219 E. 2nd St in Kewanee. Memorials may be made to the Kewanee Animal Shelter, The Henry County Humane Society or similar organization. Please leave a condolence online for John’s family at www.golnickhaskellfh.com.