KENNETH F. KRESMERY

Kenneth F. Kresmery, Dear companion of Quinn Seligmann, loving father of Marc (Candace), Kurt and Eric. Devoted son of the late Ferdinand and Estelle. Cherished grandfather of 8. Great-grandfather of 15. Dear brother of the late Karl. Endearing one to Joseph (Ilene), Paul (Leslie), and Harold Jr. Ken was in the Army in the Korean War, stationed in Germany where he worked on portable radar systems that guided howitzers. After being discharged, he wanted to become a commercial pilot, but his corrected eyesight kept him from realizing that dream. However, not to be deterred, he and a buddy went in on a WWII PT22 airplane like Harrison Ford's and learned how to fly. He bought several other planes during his lifetime, housing them at Poplar Grove Airport. He was also an active member of the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapters 1414 and 790. Ken also loved to collect and share the many vintage cars he collected over the years. As such, he was a member of many car clubs including the T-Bird, Lincoln, Rolls Royce, Model A, and the Metropolitan clubs. He also owned a M.A.S.H. jeep and a Sprint racecar. In his "spare time," he enjoyed fishing and was an avid reader. As an entrepreneur, he dabbled in many different businesses. He owned the Elgin Adjustment Bureau (a collection agency) which had seven offices around the area; he owned and managed several apartment buildings in Elgin; he owned and managed the biggest rock and roll club in the area in the late 1970's and 80's called the Grocery Store Club and Warehouse Bar in Elgin; he built the Kennington Square Townhomes in Elgin, and was the original owner and publisher of the first Hispanic newspaper in the Fox Valley, Reflejos. Right up to the end, Ken never slowed down. He continued to own and manage many insurance and money-transfer offices in Elgin and was planning on expanding them to other locations. His family and friends were the center of his life and he loved nothing better than sharing a good meal, some cocktails and being surrounded by those he loved and cared about. He loved sharing stories about his life and the latest adventure he was planning. He was gruff, yet tender; extravagant yet frugal. Ken Kresmery made a difference in our Elgin community. He was loved and will be missed. Family and friends are asked to gather at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at 410 First St. in Cary, IL for a 10:30 am funeral mass on Saturday, November 14, 2015. Graveside services will be held at St. John Nepomucene Cemetery, 615 N. River Rd., Algonquin (on border of Fox River Grove). Visitation Friday from 3-9 at Morizzo Funeral Home, 2550 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates. For info, 847-752-6444. Ken loved aviation, so in lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the EAA Chapter 1414 Endowment Fund, 5151 Orth Rd., Box 14, Poplar Grove, IL 61065 or a charity/organization of your choice.