KEWANEE – Sean Van Waes, 59, of Kewanee, died Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at his home.

He was born December 5, 1964 in Kewanee, the son of Ronald and Kendra (Findley) Van Waes. Survivors include his parents of Kewanee, his three sons; Sean Michael Van Waes and his fiancée Kelly of Clearwater, FL, Austin (Katy) Van Waes of Billings, MT and Nic (Brittney) Van Waes of Pontiac, IL, brother, Jay Van Waes of Kewanee, two sisters, Kelle (Mathew) Sandy of Lafayette, IN and Kymberly (Matthew) Light of Plainfield, IN, eight grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his dog TJ. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Maurice (Sophia) Van Waes and maternal grandparents, Kenneth (Stephanie) Findley.

Sean graduated from Kewanee High School in 1983 and attended Western Illinois University on a football scholarship and was an athletic scholar at Knox College. He had worked as a correctional officer for the State of Illinois until his retirement. Sean was a jokester and a good storyteller and was an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. He enjoyed gambling, traveling, music and having a beer with his buddies.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 29 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Fr. Chris Haake officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following the services, and private inurnment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established