Russell La Verne Kates

Russell La Vern Kates, 85 of Streator passed away Wednesday March 31, 2021 at Heritage Health in Streator.

A visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:30AM until 11:30 AM at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 11:30AM at the funeral home with social distancing being followed and masks being worn.  Burial will be in the Grand Rapids Cemetery in Grand Ridge.

Russel was born on October 16, 1935 in Streator to Roy and June (Antram) Kates.

He married Mary Sellers on June 8, 1980.  She passed away July 20, 2008.

Surviving is his daughter, Susan (Tom) Grigas of Leola, PA, stepsons, John (Connie) Franzen of Grand Ridge and Ron (Connie) Franzen of Highland, IL, 7 grandchildren, Christopher Grigas of San Francisco, CA, William Grigas of Essex Junction, Vermont and Alex Grigas of New Haven, CT, Christi (Mark) Hellman of Ottawa, Barbi (Kyle) Rosborg of Swansea, IL, Amy (Adam) Winfrey of Webster Groves, MO and Jaclyn (John) Stahlhut of Alhambra, IL and 6 great-grandchildren, Hallie, Austin, and Cami Hellman, Charlotte, Gus and Leo Rosborg, Ava and Andrew Winfrey and Cash Stahlhut and sisters, Janet Young of Aurora and Janice (Larry) Stalter of Princeton.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife and son, Randy Kates and brother-in-law, Richard Young. 

Russell graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1953 and retired from Thatcher Glass in 1992.  He was a member of the Grand Ridge United Methodist Church, Streator Eagles and LaSalle County Farm Bureau. 

He was an avid fisherman and a die-hard Cubs fan.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Streator Lions Club Equipment Fund or Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.