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BORN
1959
DIED
2021
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Kevin Warnke Obituary
A true Renaissance man, Kevin was a PhD scientist who was devoutly Catholic, inquisitive rather than dogmatic; a retired Navy Captain with a passion for opera and esoteric literature; always witty but prone to come up with the lamest, groan-inspiring puns and jokes; and an endless fount of information on the widest range of topics. He was always a teacher.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife Anne Louise (nee Bell); his brother John Carson (Lynne) Warnke; his nephews Scott (Lauren) Warnke and Brett Warnke; and his great nephews John, Joseph, and James Warnke and his extended Bell family in-laws.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 5 – 8 pm at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest, IL 60045. Fifty people will be allowed in the funeral home at a time; a mask and social distancing will be required. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at 11:30am at Church of St. Mary, 175 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest, IL 60045 where a limit of 100 people will be required to pre-register at the church website.
Memorial contributions for scholarship funds in loving memory of Kevin may be sent to Loyola Academy in Wilmette IL and/or to St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH. Info: Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest (847) 234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Warnke
Molly Foley
March 21, 2021
Mr.Warnke was one of my favorite teachers throughout my time at Loyola Academy. His dedication and passion for teaching was evident, and he made each one of his students believe in themselves. Mr.Warnke was also incredibly caring and thoughtful. I will never forget when he attended one of my choir concerts and how excited he was to explain to me the physics behind music. I am so deeply blessed to have known him and be taught by him, truly a once in a lifetime man.
Jon Greene
March 4, 2021
My deepest sympathy to your family. I have such found memories of Kevin (especially the groan inspiring jokes) and our time together at the Naval Academy and later in Navy Schools. May the grief you feel give way to sweet memories and assurance that Kevin is now telling "Bert and I" jokes in heaven.
Xiaomao Wu
February 17, 2021
Kevin was very smart, creative, optimistic and joyful colleague with whom I was honored to work at Abbott for many years. He always attempted to find the straightforward, most elegant and simplest approach to each complicated problem. In pursuing his passion in teaching science for younger generations, he quitted Abbott job and became a high school teacher in his later career. He will also always be remembered as a lively trumpet player in Waukegan Genesee Theater and Santa Claus of Christmas party at his lovely Lake Forest home.
Rebecca Reber
February 14, 2021
I just knew Kevin briefly in our Monday night class, but in that time I was so glad to meet his friendly, inquisitive mind. He was a thoughtful man whose perspective I enjoyed. I am so sorry our time together was so brief, and I pray his family finds comfort in happy memories.
Stephen Warnke
February 14, 2021
Hi Anne I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and I am sorry for your children for the losd of their father. Please accept my condolences and prayers and may God be with you during this difficult time
Carol Overacker
February 14, 2021
What a profound loss to so many. Kevin certainly was a giver in every sense of the word. When you were around Kevin, he was always interested in you, caring about what he could learn about you and your interests. When you were around Kevin and Anne, you knew you were in the presence of true soulmates. Anne, Cindy and I will forever be grateful for the time we spent with you and Kevin in Chicago in 2019. Witnessing Kevin´s enthusiasm for his teaching, coming home to help cook for us, and playing board games with us. He was so patient teaching us Catan! Anne, I know you have a lifetime of wonderful memories with Kevin. Those are your blessings. Thank you for bringing Kevin into our family. We love you and hold you in our prayers.
Peter Rajaniemi
February 14, 2021
My condolences to the Warnke family. It's been many years since running around the halls of Oyster River Elementary and Jr. High.
Glenn LaFave
February 14, 2021
To a great classmate, teammate and friend at St. Thomas Aquinas, Class of 1977.
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How to support Kevin's loved ones
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