Ronald D Kerres

Ronald D. Kerres, 92 of Aledo, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Overlook Village, Moline, Illinois with his wife of 75 years, Pat, at his side. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Private burial was at the Reynolds Cemetery, Reynolds, Illinois, with Father John Thieryoung officiating. Memorials may be made to the Mercer County YMCA or to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in care of Speer Funeral Home, PO Box 27, Aledo, IL 61231.

Ronald David Kerres was born on March 12, 1933, in Rock Island, Illinois to August M. & Miriam (Hartman) Kerres. Ron graduated from Reynolds High School where he was a member of the FFA and a football running back. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Ron met the love of his life, Patricia Gaunt in high school, and they were married in the St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Milan, Illinois. They celebrated 75 years of devoted marriage before his death. Pat and Ron truly had an amazing relationship, partnership and marriage. They were never far apart and always looking out for each other.

Ron successfully dedicated his life to farming and the service of others. He began farming in Mercer Township soon after returning from the service, eventually owning Gray Gables Farm. Ron also had a very successful Dekalb seed corn and farming business with his partner, David Close of Reynolds. Ron believed in conservative farming and being a good steward of the land. Ron was always generous with his time and equipment when it came to helping someone in need. He was well respected by his neighbors, fellow farmers, merchants and all who knew him. Ron shared his success. Ron and Pat were generous supporters of the Mercer County YMCA and Mayo Clinic. He served his community on the Board of 1st Community Bank, Oakview Country club, Aledo Exchange Club, Reynolds American Legion and the Mercer County YMCA. Ron and Pat also like adventures with family and friends, with many fishing, skiing, motorcycle, and sightseeing trips. In recent years, Ron realized a long-time dream of a trip through the Panama Canal. His mechanical mind had those locks all figured out.

Those left to cherish Ron’s memory include his wife, Pat; sister, Marilyn Spivey; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Mary Rose Kerres and Larry & Deborah Gaunt and many nieces and nephews who Ron and Pat treated as their own children. Visits to the farm by the out-of-town nieces and nephews were always special occasions with bonfire-wiener roasts and rides on Uncle Ron’s farm equipment. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: August “AugE” Kerres, Dorothy Fowler and Gary Kerres.