Donald Joseph "Don" Kettleborough Jr.

1945 - 2026

Donald "Don" Joseph Kettleborough, Jr.
Born: April 17, 1945 in Mendota, IL
Died: March 18, 2026 in East Peoria, IL
Donald "Don" Joseph Kettleborough, Jr., 80, of East Peoria, Illinois passed away peacefully at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Born on April 17, 1945, Don was the son of Donald J. Kettleborough and Shirley Landers Kettleborough. He was the oldest of five children and shared a lifelong bond with his siblings, Sandra Hanson, Sharon Kimrey, Carol Kleckner, and Gary Kettleborough.
Don lived a life shaped by creativity, beauty, and deep devotion to the people he loved. He attended Holy Cross Elementary School and Mendota High School before earning his undergraduate degree in art education from Northern Illinois University and later his Master's Degree from Bradley University.
He began his career teaching art in Peoria, Illinois, for seventeen years, but his heart ultimately led him to a full-time life in the arts. After he left teaching, Don became a gifted and respected artist whose work reflected both his remarkable talent and the warmth of his spirit. He was known for his murals, portraits, pet portraits, and commissioned pieces, each created with care and a deeply personal touch. Over the years, his work was represented by galleries in Naples, Santa Fe, Saugatuck, New Orleans, and Peoria, reaching collectors and admirers in many places.
Naples and New Orleans held a special place in Don's heart and became important chapters in his life story. His work gained recognition in Naples, and he and his husband, Rich, shared a love for New Orleans that eventually led them to purchase a home there and move in the early 2000s. In 2003, Rich retired and they began spending winters each year in Naples, and then New Orleans, embracing the beauty, friendships, and rhythm of the places they loved most. Don never stopped creating. In early 2020, he stepped away from gallery representation to devote himself more fully to commission work, which he continued until about a year before his passing.
While Don's artistic accomplishments were many, the truest measure of his life was found in the love he gave so freely. He was generous, welcoming, and deeply devoted to his family and extended family. For more than 20 years, he joyfully hosted Thanksgiving gatherings for the Kettleborough family, creating traditions and memories that will be cherished for generations. He had a special gift for making people feel at home, cared for, and connected.
He is survived by his beloved husband, Rich; his siblings, Sandra, Sharon, Carol, and Gary; 17 Kettleborough nieces and nephews; 5 Helmer nieces and nephews, along with 11 Helmer great-nieces and great-nephews; numerous extended family members; and many dear friends whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald J. Kettleborough and Shirley Landers Kettleborough.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Don's 81st birthday; Friday, April 17, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Hawley Country Club in Peoria, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois or TAPS in Pekin, Illinois in his name.
Don will be remembered for his artistic spirit, his generous heart, his eye for beauty, and the love he poured into his family, his home, and his work. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the beauty he leaves behind.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com