Donald D. Cates

Donald D. Cates, of Cisne, IL. passed away Wednesday, December 10, 2025, peacefully with his family by his side at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis MO.

Donald was born November 24, 1948, to Delbert and Marie (Sampson) Cates. in Johnsonville, IL. He married Patricia “Pat” Kranz October 14, 1972, in Plainfield, IL. They had celebrated fifty-three wedding anniversaries together.

Donald worked at Caterpillar in Joliet, IL, and then they moved to Cisne. He then went to work at North American Lighting in Flora, IL until he fully retired. He had served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking care of his garden. He was an avid Cub Fan, he very seldom missed watching a game, it was always fun to joke with him about another team. He was a member of the VFW in Fairfield, IL and American Legion in Flora, IL. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Donald is survived by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Cates of Cisne, IL; three daughters, Tamara (Randy) Schmitt, Tanya (Robert) Tatera, and Tara (Matthew) Nelson; a sister, Patricia Grau and two brothers, Clifton Cates and Terrel (Carolyn) Cates; eight grandchildren, Justin Cates, Meghan Tatera, Natalie Tatera, Lauren Schmitt, Lydia Schmitt, Shelby Nelson and husband Jessie Delagarza, Sidney Nelson and Logan Nelson. also surviving are his nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his parents, Delbert, and Marie Cates, his sister-in-law Julie Cates and brother-in-law Dannie Grau.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 12noon to 2:00p.m. at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral home in Cisne, IL.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:00p.m. at Hosselton- Meridith Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in Richland Cemetery near Boylston IL. Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery.

Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.