Kenneth E. Abbott Jr.

Kenneth “Butch” E. Abbott Jr., 77 of Streator passed away Friday evening (January 5, 2024) at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.

A visitation will be held Saturday (Jan. 13^th) from 9 AM – 12noon at the New Beginnings Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held at noon at the church with Pastor Mike Young officiating.

Kenneth was born on October 1, 1946, in Streator to Kenneth and Elsie (Warwick) Abbott Sr.  He married Linda Yedinak on September 5, 1964.  She survives.

Also surviving are children, Kassandra (Gus) Anderson, Teresa (Joe) Grabowski, Robert (Jill) Abbott, Russell (Jean) Abbott and Matthew (Brianne) Abbott all of Streator, grandchildren, Brent, Joseph (Karin), August Anderson and Karlee (Kevin) Quail; Dylan (Whitney), Allyson, Jaryd (Kallie), Zackary and Brady Grabowski; Elizabeth, Joshua and Sarah Abbott; Jordan (Erica), Sophia, Andrew and Henry Abbott; Race and Jett Abbott, 10 great grandchildren, sisters, Karen Latino of Arizona and June Blum of Streator.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Kenneth Joseph and a daughter Mary Margaret both in infancy and a brother Randall.

Kenneth attended Streator Grade Schools and Streator High School.  He retired from ArcelorMittal Steel in Hennepin, IL.  Kenneth was a very active member of the New Beginnings Baptist Church.

Ken ran into the arms of his Lord and Savior as he was surrounded by his wife and children. As we grieved, we knew the celebration that was there and hearing his Jesus say, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

Ken had many hobbies including woodworking, riding his motorcycle, fishing, and yardwork. However, far greater than all those, was his dedication to his God, his family and his church. He was a helper, a giver, and continually sought out ways to demonstrate the love of Jesus to others.

Grandpa never missed a sporting event, music concert, drama production or dance recital. He served his community and church faithfully through the years in AWANA, VBS, food pantry, two recent mission trips to the Czech Republic, teaching, discipling and leading many to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Oh, what an incredible experience to think of the people that are, or will be in heaven because of Ken’s witness.

Ken was known as a man of great love, integrity, patience and wisdom; even on his last day, he poured great insights into his family. He journaled daily while reading his Bible and devotions with his last entry being January 1, 2024.

Memorials may be made to the New Beginnings Baptist Church.