Kenneth L. Stalzer

Kenneth L. Stalzer
Kenneth L. Stalzer, of Plainfield and formerly of Joliet, passed away peacefully at the age of 94, on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Ken was born in Joliet, IL, on March 28, 1931. He was always a hard worker, starting out on the canal barges at age 12 to working on a Mag Crew (selling magazines) in his early adult life for several years. Ken pursued a career working at Reynolds Aluminum before he ventured out on his own in the Electrical Contracting business. Ken then settled in with his electrical career buying Peyla Electric which he owned and operated for 56 years until his retirement in 2011. His work ethics were exemplary and passed that on to his children. Work Hard, Play Hard.
When Ken wasn't on the golf course you'd find him singing karaoke to the tunes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammie Davis Jr and many more, or playing Texas Hold'em with friends and neighbors. He loved taking long drives through the countryside just admiring nature and stopping at his local watering holes and eateries on his way home.
He loved and lived life to the fullest, missing out on little.
Ken is survived by this loving family, children, Karre (Floyd) Schultz, Kitte (Jimmy) Stalzer-Ward, Kurt (Sue) Stalzer, Kriste (Steve) Dow and stepdaughter, Michele (Mark Buchanan) Kurdziel; grandchildren, Kristy (Mark) Stalzer, Michael (Jammie) Tacchia, Angelinna Tacchia, Kelli (Tom Craven) Stalzer, Kurt Stalzer Jr., and Timothy Teats; great- grandchildren, Tylar Tacchia, Taylor Tacchia, Dante Tacchia, Colton Heister, Bear Craven, Forrest Craven, and Toby Craven; great-great- grandchild, Sienna Tacchia; his loving nieces, Cheri Jo (Howard) Chica and Beckie (Bob) Tomlinson; his step-grandchildren, Don (Amy) Ciesielski, Diana Ciesielski, Gina (Greg) Walter, Eric Ciesielski, Randy (Cheri) Ciesielski; and of course his wonderful caregivers, Lynette Ando and Imelda Azucenas, who he lovingly called Sara because he couldn't remember their names.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Stalzer and Mary (Joseph) Plut; his wives, Beverly J. Allen-Stalzer and Sara (nee Peil) Kurdziel-Stalzer; and his sibling Joseph (Georgiann) Stalzer; and eldest son, Kenneth Leonard Stalzer.
A Memorial Gathering for Kenneth L. Stalzer will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, IL, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. As it was his request, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, Ken was a long time passionate and faithful contributor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, please donate in his name. He loved getting his mail to see the child he was helping that month.
The family would like to thank Lightways Hospice in Joliet during his days and hours of need.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.