Passed away on Saturday, November 8th, 2025 at the age of 72.
Beloved life partner of Rose Ann Cole for 40 years; loving stepfather to the late Vicki (survived by Bryan) Cato; adoring grandfather to Millie, Isaac, Audrey, and Owen Cato; dearest son of the late Clarence and Lois Kueneke; cherished brother of James Kueneke, Janice (the late Peter) Prior, Christine (the late Ronald Spruell) Burkart, Jacqueline (Daniel) Kettelkamp, Donald Kueneke, and Patricia (Ronald) Miller; our dear uncle, great uncle, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, and friend.
Bill was born and raised in Kirkwood, MO. He attended St. Peter Catholic Grade School in Kirkwood and graduated from Vianney High School. He went on to earn a degree in electrical engineering at St. Louis Community College – Meramec.
He held several positions with companies such as IBM, UNISYS, and Southwestern Bell. He also worked as a Government Contractor at the National Personnel Records Center and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
Bill loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting with friends and family. Some of his hobbies were radio-controlled planes/sailboats, fast-draw gun competitions, and woodworking.
He met Rose Ann, while working at the NGA; and the rest is history. He embraced her daughter, Vicki, as his own. After she married Bryan, he was blessed with four beautiful grandchildren. Millie, Isaac, Audrey, and Owen shined the brightest light in his life. There’s not much more a man can ask for in this life, except for more time; but for now he has joined his parents, Vicki, other family members, and friends until the day comes that we all meet again.
He will live forever in our hearts and memories.
In lieu of flowers, go make memories by spending time with family and friends.
SERVICES: Visitation will be held at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Friday, November 14th, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with the funeral ceremony at 1:00 PM.
Thank you for wonderful memories! You and Rose Ann were our very dear friends! Bill was such an awesome friend to John and I appreciate his help after John passed! I know he and John are catching up right now. I’m so happy that I got to visit with him shortly before he passed. Rest in peace Bill!
I’ll always cherish the memories of Bill, who I met during my exchange year in America through his daughter Vicki. His kindness and empathy towards me after Vicki’s passing was such a comfort, and I’ll never forget his generosity.
I’m especially thankful for the times he and Rose Ann drove down to Poplar Bluff, watching me and their grandkids play sports, while also spending time together along with all the laughter we shared as a hostfamily. Bill’s curiosity about my home country always led to fun conversations with laughter, and I’ll treasure those moments forever.
My heart goes out to the Cato family, they are in my thoughts and prayers, and I think about them often. I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared with Bill and all the memories made. I’m sending my condolences. ❤️
Love from Finland,
Sofia