Robert W. “Bob” Kates, 97 of Carlinville, passed away Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025, at Hallmark Health Care in Carlinville. Bob was born on September 14, 1927, in Atwater a son of Martin and Daisy Gates Kates.
Bob married Dora Bell and she passed away June 21, 1968. He later married Audrey R. Rhodes October 14, 1970, in Carlinville. She passed away last year, April 5. Bob was employed at Prairie Farms in Carlinville for 42 years. He had delivered milk to homes in the area, schools and area grocery stores.
Bob was a member of Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville, the Knights of Columbus Council 336 in Carlinville, and was a 4th degree Knight. You could always find Bob at all the K C fish fries. He was a past member of the Carlinville Elks Lodge, Moose Club and enjoyed bowling and playing golf.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Sandy (John Kahl) Trump of Carlinville; son, Gary A. (Dena Marie) Rugel of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren, Jenni McDowell, Kate (Brett) Coleman, Kelli Trump and Matt (Stephanie) Rosentreter; seven great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two wives; daughter, Karen Rosentreter; granddaughter, Andrea Sonneborn; brothers, Melvin and Donald Kates; and sisters, Almeda Chapin, Alice Freytag, Julia Meyers, and Dorothy Hillebrand.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Carlinville. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 am, Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Donald Goergen officiating.
Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, Carlinville. Memorials may be made to Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.