Donald L. Kerouac

Donald L. Kerouac, age 74, of Kankakee passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024 at his home. He was born October 26, 1949 in Kankakee, the son of Leslie & Alice (Book) Kerouac. Donald married Billie Kern in 1994 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Kankakee. Donald was not only a well-known HAM radio operator, but a photographer and caver, among many other interests including astronomy and astrophotography. He spent many nights in his observatory studying the stars. Don made key contributions in exploration and conservation of caves and their environments. He is a past member of the Cave Research Foundation, giving him the opportunity to explore and survey sections of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky and participating in Mammoth Cave Restoration Camps. He is a long-time member of the Near Normal Grotto chapter of the National Speleological Society (NSS), held officer positions within the group. His experience led him to be a key part of the Karst Conservancy of Illinois, including serving as President. He was part of the early explorations, surveying, and conservation efforts of Pautler and Twin Culverts Caves in Southern Illinois, along with helping efforts to protect other endangered karst areas. He was a recognized figure at caving events such as Old-Timers’ Reunions, NSS National Conventions, and Missouri Valley Ozark Regional Conventions. From 1978-2015, Don made a successful career as a Radio Broadcast Engineer….full turn key services from studios to transmitter plants including AM directional arrays and fine tuning of FM antennas with over 70 stations in the Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, & Michigan areas. His professional career shaped him as an expert radio station builder and customer service talent for the broadcast industry. His technical knowledge in broadcast engineering, antennas, and station design was unparalleled. He was always willing to help with ideas on station improvement with local hams as well. Prior to his retirement from his business Midwest Broadcasting and ISP Services, Don was Chief Engineer of WKAN Radio for 25 years. In the early days, Don taught electronics classes at the local Junior College and worked for the local Motorola MSS. Don was the “go to” guy in his beloved KARS (Kankakee Area Radio Society) that he joined immediately after receiving his ham radio license in 1968, having held every office for many years, currently as VP and served as the newsletter editor as well. Don enjoyed transmitter hunting with the club. Don, a ham radio volunteer Examiner since 1984 and AD (Assistant to the director) of the AARL (American Radio Relay League). He had documented contacts with 343 countries. The walls in his ham shack office were covered by awards he won for winning radio contests and achieving his goals. Surviving are his wife, Billie Kerouac; two daughters, Jennifer Kerouac (Scott Steinhart) and Julie (Jason) Williams; one son, David Kerouac & fiancé, Amada Roth; one stepdaughter, Sheri (Stuart) Clifford; one brother, Dennis (Sharon) Kerouac; and eight grandchildren. Donald is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Judith Kerouac. Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the 4:30 p.m. funeral service on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Private family interment will be held at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais at a later date. Memorials may be made to River Valley Cat Oasis in Momence.

Donald L. Kerouac

October 26, 1949 - August 3, 2024