Kenneth “Kenny” D. Gutschlag, 82, of Kewanee, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria surrounded by his family after a grueling battle with pancreatic cancer.

Kenny was born October 25, 1943, in Kewanee, the son of Elmo Bernard and Laura Catherine (Couve) Gutschlag. Kenny attended Kewanee High School, graduating with the class of 1962. He furthered his education by attending Black Hawk College for EMT Training and the University of Illinois, Champaign for Fire School. Kenny married Barbara Jean Ramsay on May 3, 1975, at the Church of the Visitation. They were blessed to spend 50 love-filled years together, and Barbara is left to cherish Kenny’s memory.

Kenny is also survived by a daughter, Rose (Michael Gould) Mason-Gould; five siblings, Carol Gutschlag, David Gutschlag, Steven (Deb McKenna) Gutschlag, Lynn Gutschlag, and Joyce (Craig) Schlaud; four grandchildren, Emma Mason, Benjamin Mason, Michaela Mason, and Mallory Gould; and nieces and nephews, Brett Gutschlag, Jayme Gutschlag, Laura Gutschlag, April Kuster, Christopher Gutschlag, Nathan Gutschlag, and Katie Dixon. Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Randall (Loretta) Gutschlag; nephews, Denny, Terry, and Robby Gutschlag; and a son-in-law, Michael Mason.

Kenny was raised in Burns Township. He worked for Kewanee Manufacturing right out of high school. He was a full-time engineer for the Kewanee Community Fire District for 20+ years, retiring in 1992 as Rural Fire Chief. Barbara always said, “If Kenny’s not working, he’s not happy”. He worked as a self-employed electrician, farmed with his brothers, Steve and Lynn, and gave adults and children rides in his firetruck, Kenny was always busy. Kenny enjoyed keeping track of the weather with his weather station. He also enjoyed collecting model trains. Although he was a working man at heart, he always made time for his family, especially when it came to his beloved daughter and grandchildren. They had a special place in his heart.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Golnick-Schueneman Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 am, Friday, January 2, 2026, at the funeral home. Per Kenny’s request, casual attire is preferred. Pastor Andrew Christman will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kewanee Community Fire District, Volunteers or Visitation Catholic School Foundation. Online condolences for Kenny’s family made be left at www.golnickschuenemanfh.com.