Kenneth C. Serzynski

Kenneth “Kenny” Serzynski, 74, of Beach Park, passed away on Saturday, June 28, in Boone County, Illinois.

Kenny is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Donna Serzynski.

He was born in 1951 in Newport, Rhode Island, while his father was serving at sea with the United States Navy during the Korean War. The family later settled on Fulton Avenue in Waukegan, Illinois, after his father was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base. Kenny graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1970.

In 1971, Kenny was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. His military service spanned a remarkable 32 years and included time in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and the Army National Guard. Throughout his distinguished career, Kenny received numerous medals and honors in recognition of his dedication to his country.

Kenny and Donna shared a love for travel and adventure. In the summer of 2024, they journeyed to South Korea to celebrate their son’s wedding. They frequently traveled with friends, often with Kenny himself at the controls of the plane. They also enjoyed attending local music venues with family and friends, and Kenny—when in the right mood—was known to get up and dance after a libation or two.

Kenny was very proud of “Little” Kenny and instilled strong values in him.  Kenny II followed in his father’s footsteps and went on to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed in South Korea.  

Flying was Kenny’s lifelong passion. He joined the Stick and Rudder Flying Club in the 1970s and had served as the club’s manager for the past 17 years. He held multiple advanced certifications, including Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII), Multi-Engine Airline Transport Pilot, and Rotary Wing (Helicopter) ratings. He was a beloved and respected instructor, known for being a “taskmaster” and “always teaching”—even seasoned pilots. Kenny was truly the consummate teacher.

In addition to several aviation positions, Kenny worked for many years at Liquid Controls in Waukegan.

Kenny was also an accomplished drummer, performing in numerous bands since his high school days. Some of the bands he played with included Stone Hedge, Everyday People, and And Then Some. He cherished the camaraderie of his bandmates and longtime friends: Larry Zens, John Pencak, Bobby Lee, Cory Owens, Mike Lubeck, Gene Tipton, Bob DeGroot, Dennis Strause, Jim Alonso, and John Greer among many others.

When he wasn’t flying or playing music, Kenny enjoyed golfing. He was a member of the Waukegan Post Office Golf League at Bonnie Brook Golf Course and loved spending time on the course whenever he could.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Donna Serzynski; his son, Kenneth (Jen) Serzynski II; sister Nina (Bill) Fantus; brothers Brian Serzynski and Paul (Karen) Serzynski; brothers-in-law Ira Lloyd Hawn and James Vile; uncle Pete Serzynski; uncle Jimmy (Gerry) Marcantonio; nephews Brian Serzynski, Nick (Valerie) Pate, Joseph Hawn, and Paul Hawn III; nieces Abby (Thomas) Julian, Stephanie (Eric) Ahonens, Kimberly Serzynski, Alexandria (Andres) Ventura, and Stephanie (Chase) Tincher; and many dear friends, including Mark Ukkonen, Fred Shoemaker, Tom Sowin, Ken Jeep, Larry Gibson, and many more.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Nina Serzynski; in-laws Paul and Alberta Hawn; sisters-in-law Patti Kutzler-Serzynski, Rosanne Vile, and Pauline Hawn; brother-in-law Paul Hawn Jr.; niece Nikki Vile; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Kenny will be deeply missed by all who knew him—for his service, his music, his humor, his teaching spirit, and the love he shared with those around him.

A visitation will take place from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at Immaculate Conception, 508 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL with a funeral Mass beginning at 12 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gurnee Salata Funeral Home.