Peter Kates

Peter John Kates, 93, of Decatur, IL, passed away Tuesday, June 27, 2017 in Memorial Medical Center, Springfield, IL. Mass of Christian Resurrection will be 9 am Monday, July 3, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Sunday, July 2, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be in Camp Butler National Cemetery, Riverton, IL, with military rites by the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail. In Pete’s honor, memorials may be given to Marine Corps League Decatur Detachment #799. Pete was born June 12, 1924, in Springfield, IL, son of Peter and Jennie (Ruzes) Kates. He married Isabell Eileen Sheerin on June 25, 1949. She preceded him in death in 1991. Pete proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine, serving in Guam and Pacific Theater of WWII. He was a former Illinois State Commandant for the Marine Corps League, a life member of the Marine Corps League, VFW, and the American Legion. Pete graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 1942. After serving in the military, he attended Browns Business College in Springfield and began working for the IRS. While working for Wagner Castings, he founded Kates Tax Service in 1972 with his wife, Isabell. He retired in December 2016 at the age of 92. Pete was a member of Sts. James and Patrick Catholic Parish. Surviving are his children: Peter Jay (Becky) Kates of Florissant, MO, Mary Ann (Patrick) Mullen, David James (Cindy) Kates, Kenneth M. (Rhonda) Kates, Mark K. (Patricia R.) Kates, Kathleen E. (John) Frazier, daughter-in-law Tonya Kates, Teresa S. (Frank) Vossos, Kelly S. (Eugene) Klemaier, all of Decatur, Nicholas E. (Krista) Kates of Marquette, MI, and Diana Hayes (don’t tell her she’s not my daughter). Also surviving are 23 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; brother: James (Mary) Kates of Springfield, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, wife Isabell, and son Jonathan L. Kates. The family would like to thank Dr. Christian Zellner, the excellent nurses in the ICU and the 6th floor staff at Memorial Medical Center for their concern and care over the last month. "
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