Kenneth L. Cameron

Kenneth L. Cameron, 89, of Aurora, passed away on December 7, 2025. He was born on May 17, 1936, in Rockford, IL.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Cathy Cameron; his brother, Steve; and his brother-in-law, Steve Fike.
Ken is survived by his loving wife, Penny; his caring daughter, Beth Pearson (Robert); his beloved grandchildren, TJ Pearson (Becca Veys) and Becca Pratt (Jeff), along with siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. His smile and joking manner will be missed at future family get togethers. Ken started his schooling at Kinson School, a one-room school where 16 out of the 17 children plus the teacher were related. He graduated from Rockford East High School, received a marketing degree from Northern Illinois University, and earned an M.B.A. degree from Northwestern University.
Ken met the love of his life, Penny Fike, on the campus of N.I.U. They were paired as dance partners for the May Fete, and they found a harmony that lasted far beyond that spring. For 66 years, they kept choosing each other, step after step, through every season of life.
Some of Ken's many accomplishments include serving in the Army, and working for IBM, Globe Lumber and Aurora Container. He was the owner of Mercury Homes and a builder/developer in Aurora and the surrounding communities for 30 years. He also worked for 9 years for the Kane County Regional Office of Education as the Health-Life-Safety Inspector/Coordinator.
Ken believed in supporting his community and served on the following boards: Aurora Planning Commission, NIU Foundation Board, Waubonsee Lifelong Learning Board, and New England Congregational Church Finance Committee. He was also a member of the Medinah Shriners.
He will be remembered as a man whose presence made life lighter and richer for everyone around him. His quick sense of humor, paired with a gentle kindness, brought comfort and laughter in equal measure. He shared wisdom that guided his family through every season, always delivered with a smile that seemed to come as naturally to him as breathing. A dedicated businessman, he approached his work with integrity and purpose, but his greatest pride was always his family. He was a devoted husband, a steady and loving father, and a grandfather whose joy in his growing family was unmistakable. His legacy lives on in the love he gave so freely and the lives he shaped with his warmth and grace.
The family will greet friends on January 10, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:30 a.m. at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554.
Memorials may be directed to Waubonsee Community College Foundation (https://www.waubonsee.edu/about-waubonsee/waubonsee-foundation/how-give) or Northern Illinois University Foundation (https://foundation.myniu.com/give.php - "Penelope (Penny Fike) Cameron College of Education Fund").