Kenneth Michael Gates

KENNY GATES

BUNKER HILL - Kenneth Michael Gates, age 30, passed away at 4:46 a.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2025, as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Fort Russell Township, Madison County, Illinois.

Kenny was born on September 19, 1995, in Amery, Wisconsin, to Tony and Kristina (Fluhrer) Gates, and it was there that he grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the roots that shaped who he would become. He graduated from Amery High School with the Class of 2014, where he wrestled and played football, learning early the importance of commitment, loyalty, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the people beside you. Those lessons never left him and showed up in every part of his life.

In 2016, Kenny made the move to Illinois, not knowing at the time how quickly it would begin to feel like home. He took pride in building a life for himself, something made clear when he purchased his first home in Bunker Hill, a place that soon became known for open doors, full garages, and weekends spent with friends who were always welcome. For the past eight years, Kenny worked at Alton Steel, where his strong work ethic and steady presence earned him the role of Lead Supervisor. He was respected not because of a title, but because he showed up every day, worked hard, treated people fairly, and looked out for those around him. His coworkers became friends, and those friendships meant a great deal to him.

Outside of work, Kenny enjoyed working on cars, fishing, and golfing, and anyone who knew him knew his trucks were his pride and joy. He was an avid gun collector and loved float trips and weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks, but some of his favorite moments were the simplest ones, sitting in the garage with his buddies, a Miller Lite in hand, sharing stories, laughs, and time that never felt rushed. Kenny had a way of making ordinary moments memorable simply by being present and fully himself.

He was generous in ways that never needed recognition, always willing to help, always the first to show up, and never expecting anything in return. His kindness came naturally, without effort or condition, and it left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. Kenny valued the friendships he built growing up in Wisconsin and carried those relationships with him wherever life took him, while also forming deep connections in a short amount of time here with his coworkers, neighbors, and friends throughout the Bunker Hill community. He had an easy presence, one that made people feel comfortable and included, and he had a way of filling a room without ever trying to. He lived fully, loved deeply, and made an impact far greater than he likely ever realized.

Kenny is survived by his mother, Kris Gates of Jerseyville; his father and stepmother, Tony and LeAnn Gates of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; his brother, Christopher Gates of Jerseyville; his sisters, Jessica Gates of Jerseyville and Myranda Gates of Cottage Grove, Minnesota; his step-siblings, Kayla Burnett, Katie Silverness, and Kameron Silverness; three nephews; his grandparents, Ray and Corrine Gates of Amery, Wisconsin; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends who will carry his memory with them always.

He was preceded in death by his niece, Khyla Gates, and his grandparents, Ray and Myra Fluhrer and a cousin, Gabby Gates. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Red’s Tavern, 101 N Washington Street, Bunker Hill, beginning at 5 p.m. 

For friends and family in Wisconsin, a Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Sawmill Pizza and Brew Shed, 805 30th Avenue, Clear Lake, WI from 3-7 p.m. 

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements. 

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