Gerald “Kieth” Donley, age 91, of Loraine, Illinois, passed away at 4:47 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Home in Quincy.

He was born on May 2, 1935, in Big Neck, Illinois, the son of the late Dale and Winifred (White) Donley. He was raised on the family farm near Big Neck and graduated from Mendon High School.

Kieth served his country as a member of the United States Army Reserve.

On June 22, 1957, Kieth married Norma Jean Knueppel in Palmyra, Missouri. Together, Kieth and Norma shared 69 years of marriage, building a life centered around family, farming, community and the many memories they made together.

Farming was more than Kieth’s occupation it was a way of life. He spent more than 60 years on the farm, raising grain and livestock. In his younger years he also worked in bulldozing with Stevens Bulldozing Company.

Throughout his life, Kieth was active in his community. He served on Unit 4 School Board and was involved with the Adams County Farm Bureau, the Loraine Fire Department, and served as a past President of the Adams County Pork Producers Association. He was a 4-H leader and enjoyed coaching a girls 4-H softball team. He was recognized by the Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District and received an Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1964.

Away from work, Kieth was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and a loyal John Deere man. Following their 25th wedding anniversary, he and Norma enjoyed traveling together, creating many special memories along the way.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Donley; his children, Jeff (Renee) Donley of Sutter, Illinois, Nancy (Ron) Cline of Kansas City, Missouri, and Karen Rabe of Ursa, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Stephen (Jessica) Donley, Mitchell (Tessa) Rabe, Andrew (Stacey) Cline, Jacob (Olivia) Rabe, Megan (Jake Darnell) Rabe, Christopher (Cali) Cline, Alaina (James) Sesmas, and Julie (Brian) Copley; nine great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; his brother, Larry (Sharon) Donley of Big Neck, Illinois; and his sisters, Patricia (Jim) Sorenson of Geneseo, Illinois, and Linda Duncan of Mendon, Illinois.

Kieth was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Dale “Wes” Donley and his wife Sharon; his brother-in-law, Dave Duncan.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at the Loraine Community Church, with Pastor Larry Menschel officiating. Burial will follow at Curless Cemetery near Loraine, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 10:30 a.m. at the Loraine Community Church.

Memorials are suggested to the Loraine Community Church.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon, Illinois.