Kevin Gerard Courtney

Kevin G. Courtney, age 66, of Lombard. Kevin was a lover of people and always had a huge smile on his face, even as he struggled with pancreatic cancer over the past year. He was a humble and kind servant of our Lord Jesus Christ who regularly read and studied the Bible. As an active 15-year member of Faith Fellowship Church, Kevin preferred to serve behind the scenes, making sure that the garbage was taken out and the tables wiped down after fellowship activities. To know Kevin, was to truly love him. He never had an unkind word to say about anybody and always reflected the joy of Jesus in his words and actions.
Kevin's other "family" were all the members of the York Township Senior Center, where he helped serve meals to other seniors who were unsteady on their feet. He loved the Dance Parties, playing Bingo and was always there with a smile and a helping hand. And even as he got sicker, he was always inquiring about others. "How are you? How are your grandchildren?'
His family will remember the early years of Kevin, who walked over a mile with his brothers to attend grade school at Sacred Heart. He served as an altar boy, played center field on a baseball team where his dad was the coach, and delivered newspapers (all four of us Courtney's had the same route!) and earned $1 for cleaning up the Cock Robin parking lot on Sunday mornings.
A 1976 graduate of Montini High School, Keven ran track and cross country and was the play-by-play announcer for Brian's basketball games. Kevin loved sports and enjoyed listening to games over the radio, particularly the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago White Sox, and many Saturday nights were spent with the six Courtney's sitting in the left field bleachers at Old Comiskey Park eating hot dogs and peanuts and watching the greats like Dick Allen and Carlton Fisk. Kevin had a mind like a steel trap and could recall stats on many teams, past and present. And he also had a keen memory for people, for instance, at Byline Bank in Glen Ellyn, Kevin recognized a fellow classmate from grade school, Therese Green, and he even remembered who her best friend was!
In the later years, there were countless trips to Herrick Lake for picnics and a rousing game of lawn darts where you always wanted to be on Kevin's team. There were many happy times at the family house in Galena, sitting by the fire, watching old movies and playing "Sorry," and just laughing hysterically. He also shared a special bond with Randine's dad, Mr. K.
But Kevin's greatest love was the relationship and trust he build with His Heavenly Father. While all who knew and loved him will miss his greatly, we are thankful that he is no longer in pain and is reunited with his dearly loved parents in Eternal Glory. Until we meet again, we will carry your smile in our hearts.
Visitation Thursday, January 4, 2024 from 9:00am until time of service at 11:00am at Knollcrest Funeral Home. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.
Information 630-932-1500.