Kevin E. Karau

KEWANEE – Kevin E. Karau, 74, of Kewanee, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at his home peacefully after being with his family and sister leading up to his passing.

He was born on May 7, 1951, at Kewanee Public Hospital. The son of Donald L. and Berniece (Schweiss) Karau Sr., he graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1969.

Kevin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971 and completed two tours in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner. He was honorably discharged in 1975 as a SP5.

During his career, he worked as an iron worker for Local III in Rock Island, retiring after 30 years of service. He continued working part-time for Gateway Co-Op and later for Gold Star FS in Woodhull.

Kevin married Cheri Rose in December of 1979. Surviving is his wife, Cheri, of Kewanee; two daughters, Sheli (Brian) Daum of Chillicothe, IL; and Kimberly (Brian) Wilcoxon of Tallahassee, FL; granddaughter, Stevie Daum of Chillicothe, IL; sister, Rena VanDamme of Kewanee; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Karau of Kewanee and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Don Karau Jr.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially at Leech Lake, MN. Later in life he golfed every morning at Baker Park with the golf bunch.

Kevin was loved by his family and friends and was known for his stories and wit.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 28, at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee with Deacon Michael Crummer officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow at Wethersfield Cemetery where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. A time of fellowship and refreshment will follow at the VFW in Kewanee. Memorials may be directed to the VFW Post 8078.

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