Kenneth James Brainerd
Kenneth James Brainerd
Obituary
Guest Book
Kenneth Brainerd Obituary
Kenneth James Brainerd, 73 of Wheeling, formerly of Barrington, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loved ones on October 2, 2025 in Arlington Heights. He was born in April 1952 in Evanston, Illinois to Frank James & Dorothy Mae (nee Nelson) Brainerd.
Ken was a proud Army Veteran and lived life to the fullest.
He worked his entire career in the HVAC industry eventually becoming the Co-owner of Barrington Heating & Air Conditioning. He later specialized in CAD drafting for large buildings in Florida.
Ken is survived by his life partner, Linda Steinberg; children, Sarah Brainerd and Matthew (Shannon Mielas) Brainerd; grandchildren, Morrison, Cheyenne, and Presley Brainerd; siblings, Diane (Marvin) Holdren, Char (Greg) Cole, and Vicki (Mike) Mangioni, as well as many nieces and nephews and his best friends, Robert Hodgson and Andrew Neeleman.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Forever in our hearts.
“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die” - Thomas Campbell
Services will be held privately.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
941 South Old Rand Rd, Lake Zurich, IL 60047
People and places connected with Kenneth
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Brainerd
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Brainerd's name
How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Kenneth Brainerd's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
