Kevin Lee "Killer" Kilanowski

1956 - 2025

Kevin Lee 'Killer' Kilanowski
Born: January 19, 1956
Died: July 23, 2025
Kevin Lee (aka "Killer") Kilanowski, age 69, of Mendota, went home to meet his Lord on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, wonderful children, and his constant companion, Truman.
Born January 19, 1956, in LaSalle, Illinois, to Leo and Mary Lou (Knaff) Kilanowski, he was the fourth of their six children and their firstborn son. He was welcomed into the family with much pride and joy. He attended St Joseph's Catholic School until their closing, and then finished his elementary education at St. Roch's. He attended LP High School, graduating in 1974. He was active through his grade school and high school years in baseball and football, and excelled in both. Although unable to serve in the Armed Forces, he felt a deep loyalty to his country and respected all veterans.
After graduation, he went to work for Westclox, which he immediately knew was not a good fit. On his first day of work on his lunch break, he was sitting outside when a friend passed by and asked him if he would like to come to work for the railroad. He jumped at the chance, and from there, made his life's career for the next 29 years with the BNSF R until he was forced to retire for disability reasons.
After retiring from the railroad, he worked for Spitz Excavating and ultimately finished his working career at the News-Tribune, for his last 15 working years. Once retired, he immensely enjoyed family time with his wife, children, and grandchildren that he had missed during the many years of his hard working.
True to his Polish heritage, he was known as a very hardworking man, never complaining about any work needing to be done no matter the time of day or weather conditions. True to his Irish heritage, he was very proud of his red hair, and his stubbornness could surface "occasionally."
After a brief courtship, he married Sue Becker on June 29, 1988 in Las Vegas. They spent 37 very happy years, weathering life's ups and downs together, always standing at each other's side through it all. He was so grateful to be able to raise his three children, Allison, Joel, and Joshua John, even though they were not biologically born to him.
During the kids' childhoods, he didn't miss a BMX race or baseball game, and always made the house always open to a spur-of-the-moment sleepover, typically about 22 girls. Always very involved in his children's lives, and as both boys played Little League baseball, he saw a need for an umpire and went to a Little League meeting to volunteer. Instead, he came home as the new league president, where he served for 23 years, setting the record of most years served for the president of any local league.
He will be forever missed by his wife, Sue; daughter, Allison (Jay) Witte- Booth; and sons, Joel Witte (Rose Cohen), and Joshua (Stephanie) Witte. He adored his "Littles," Dylan Layne and Jackson Walter Witte, Ryn Elizabeth and Mei Eileen Booth. Also surviving him are his siblings, David (Lori) Kilanowski and Cheryl (Steve) Kulp; brother-in-law, Bruce Hawkins; and many nieces and nephews, including his godson David Joseph Kilanowski, Jr. Unable to serve in the Armed Forces, he felt such loyalty to his country and respected all veterans.
Preceding him in death were his parents Leo and Mary Lou; his brother Kenny, his sisters, Kathy Hawkins and Mary Schadel; father-in-law and mother-in- law Robert, Sr. and Dorothy Becker; brothers-in-law John Becker and Robert, Jr., and baby Jonna Kathren, for whom he created a beautiful memory garden.
Kevin knew no strangers. He waved at everyone and greeted everyone a hello with a smile. He considered all acquaintances to be friends. He was the most loving, loyal, honest, giving, fun, generous, forgiving, and strong believer in God. Our love will never end. Until we meet again, rest in God's peace.
Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota.
The funeral service will be at 2 P.M. Monday, July 28, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1003 5th Street, in Mendota with Pastor Sheila Becker officiating. Interment will follow in Troy Grove Cemetery. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.