Kewanee – Kenneth R. Bates, 99, of Kewanee, passed away Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at Prairie Place Senior Living in Kewanee. He was born May 23, 1927, in Kewanee, the son of Harvey and Florence (Nelson) Bates. He attended Wethersfield Schools. He married Donna Jean Johnson at Osco Church on Nov. 20, 1955; she survives.

Kenneth is also survived by two daughters, Mary Bates-Borowski of Austin, Texas, and Laurie (Rob) Smith of St. Cloud, Fla.; five grandchildren, Cole Borowski, Madison Borowski, Taylor (Leighton) Wilhelm, Amanda (Trent) Gentry, and Marshall Smith; one great grandson, Hudson Gentry and a great-granddaughter on the way in the Wilhelm family; sister, Shirley Gruszeczka of Kewanee; and sister-in-law, Lois Johnson of Geneseo. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Everett Bates and Mervin Bates; brother-in-law, Raymond Johnson.

Kenneth was a lifetime farmer.

Kenneth entered the Army and served in the Korean War. He was a proud veteran who loved his country for his entire life. He received the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Ribbon, three Bronze Service Stars, and was a combat engineer Corporal.

Kenneth was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of the Kewanee Veterans Council and a 72-year member of the American Legion. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, playing cards and going to Florida in the winter months, and going to McDonalds for coffee with the guys.

A visitation will be held 10-11 a.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at Golnick Family Funeral & Cremation Services in Kewanee. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m., Wednesday, at the Funeral Home. Pastor Martin Gutzmer will officiate. Burial will take place in Pleasant View Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Memorials may be made to the Kewanee Veterans Council or the First United Methodist Church in Kewanee. Please leave a condolence online for Kenneth’s family at www.golnickhaskellfh.com.