Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1946
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Kenneth Grodjesk Obituary
MONMOUTH - Kenneth B. Grodjesk, 70, of Lake Warren, Monmouth, Illinois, died at 4:23 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2017, at his son's home in North Henderson, Illinois.
He was born on October 16, 1946, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Joseph E. and Selma (Brach) Grodjesk. He married Carol J. Endicott on November 30, 1968, in Springfield, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Carol; two sons, Benjamin Grodjesk of Yucca Valley, California, and Joseph (Randi) Grodjesk of North Henderson; three grandchildren, Victoria Grodjesk-Morger, Emily Grodjesk and Jonathan Grodjesk; a brother, David Grodjesk of Fairfield, Iowa; three sisters, Ellen Butler of Miami, New Mexico, Carol (Pam Rankin) Grodjesk of Encinitas, California, and Donna Grodjesk of Carmel Valley, California; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ken was raised and educated in Tenafly, New Jersey. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop 115 and graduated from Tenafly High School in 1965. He relocated to Illinois, where he earned his associate's degree from Lincoln College, his bachelor's degree from Bradley University, his master's degree from Illinois State University, and his doctorate degree from Northern Illinois University. Ken was an educator for over 40 years. He taught at Washington and Broadmoor Junior High Schools in Pekin, Illinois Central College, Monmouth College and Carl Sandburg College.
Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Temple Sholom. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alexis/North Henderson Ambulance Service, Temple Sholom, or a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Grodjesk
Sponsored by Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg.
Phil Jennings
June 16, 2017
I got to know Ken when he started teaching at Carl Sandburg College. He was a great friend and even greater teacher. His students were always his first and foremost concern. I will greatly miss his smile and his caring personality.
Sarah Brakenbury
June 14, 2017
He was such a wonderful man. He helped me when I was trying to decide if I wanted to become a teacher and pointed out gifts I didn't realize I had. He taught a psychology course I took several years ago at CSC, which was at night. He always made sure everyone made it to their cars and got on their way before he would get in his car and leave. I remember him even going out to clean off our cars after a snow before he would let us leave because he wanted to make sure we got home safely. Truly a gentleman.
Melissa Bryant
June 14, 2017
Im so sorry to hear of Kens passing. He was so kind to me every time he came to the YMCA. He would offer to bring me dinner on the busy night's and always stopped at the desk for a friendly chat. He will be missed by many.
Benjamin Derry
June 13, 2017
Sorry to hear about this. He was an amazing man and client on the occasional computer repairs I need to do for him.
Nancy Martinez
June 12, 2017
So sorry for your loss, carol. You are in our thoughts.
Ronda Chism
June 12, 2017
So sorry for your loss joe thinking of you and your family.
Miguel( jalisco,s) Perez
June 10, 2017
I am sorry for you big lost we are with you guys we will miss him a lot he was really special customer for us great person great family
Diane (Swoik) Noll
June 10, 2017
Thoughts and prayers for all of you!
Julie Jordan-Brandt
June 10, 2017
Ken was a very kind and courteous person. I worked with him at Carl Sandburg College where I saw how enthusiastic and passio ate about teaching teachers! My deepest condulances to your family.
June 10, 2017
Ken was guy! We will all miss him
Mary Bruce Bianchi
Julie Gray
June 10, 2017
Mr. Grodjesk was my instructor at CSC. He was so passionate about teaching and all of his students loved him Dearly.A few years ago we had an electrical home fire and Ken was first on the scene in the pouring rain at 2am in the morning!! He calmed myself and my kids down by coming out and talking to us afterwards. He will truely be missed!!!My heartfelt prayers for peace and comfort for his family
Elaine Dean
June 10, 2017
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know he will be greatly missed. Thinking of you all.
Dara Johnson
June 9, 2017
Mr Grodjesk was a fabulous teacher and one that will not be forgotten.
Dave Vaupel
June 9, 2017
Truly a great man an educator. Always had a smile for his students and never failed to bring a smile out of me (even though I wasn't a big science fan). My sympathy to the family. Godspeed Mr. G
Stephanie Wallace
June 9, 2017
Mr. Grodjesk was a great teacher and one I remember fondly. My heart is with his family. Sincerely,
Stephanie (Ehrett) Wallace
Becky Hoyle
June 9, 2017
So very sorry for your loss, he was a wonderful, happy and fun man. He will always be remembered fondly. My heart goes out to all of his family.
AV and Patty Stein
June 9, 2017
Carol, you made a great choice 50 years ago. He was the best of the best.
Carolyn Burrows
June 9, 2017
Remembering Ken fondly. Blessings and Peace to the family. Carolyn Burrows (formerly Carolyn Maddox)
Erin Brown
June 9, 2017
I am so terribly sorry for his family's loss. Thank you for sharing this man with us (his students). What a funny, smart man and good teacher he was!
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Make a Donation
in Kenneth Grodjesk's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Kenneth Grodjesk
Jun
11
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
Funeral services provided by:
Hinchliff-Pearson-West, Inc., Galesburg1070 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL 61401
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 Grodjesk'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
