Kenneth "Ken" P. "Ken" Bittner

Kenneth "Ken" P. Bittner, 79, of Peoria, passed away the night of July 9, 2025, at his home.

Ken was born in Peoria, IL on November 8, 1945, to Lester and Elizabeth Bittner. He married Mary Houston on May 28, 1978, in Peoria.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 47 years; nephews, Dru (Mary) Bittner and Brian (Tammy) Reed; niece, Liz (Dan) LaSalle; 10 great-nieces and nephews; and mother-in-law, Elaine Houston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Martha Steiner Bittner; his brother, Robert D. Bittner; and niece, Stacie Baldwin.

Ken was a graduate of Peoria Central High School – Class of 1964 – and studied at Arizona Western College.

He worked at Keystone Steel & Wire for 17 years, and then accepted a position in the Chicago suburbs with Illinois Tool Works where he retired in September of 2014.

Ken was an avid and accomplished golfer all his life. He had many friends whom he met through golf and other activities that he enjoyed. He enthusiastically supported his many friends and especially their kids and grandkids in their sports and artistic endeavors. He loved those kids like they were his own.

His friends and co-workers would say he was kind, funny, always a gentleman, and that he inspired those around him.

A memorial service for Ken will be held at The Wilton Mortuary on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. A private inurnment will take place at the Sand Prairie Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Peoria Affiliate of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.