Ken was raised in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he played varsity basketball at York Community High School. He attended Coe College in Iowa, where he earned two BAs in four years (economics and business administration, with specializations in business law and contract law), while also completing a senior thesis in resource economics. Ken continued his education in diverse fields, both nationally (Washington DC), where he published work on why (not how) laws were passed, and internationally (London), where he studied land planning and government medicine.
Ken met his future wife, Marciana (nee Javierto) “Annie” Bunce, and moved to Palatine, Illinois, where both earned advanced degrees and became accountants. Ken continued his education (in Chicago and surrounding areas), earning a MBA in international economics at DePaul University and furthering his credentials as a certified public accountant. He additionally pursued training in project management, computer security and technology, and commercial real estate. Not surprisingly, Ken was a sought-after public speaker in prestigious venues, including at MIT (Cambridge, MA). Throughout Ken’s training, he worked at Interlake Steel and later landed a position as a highly respected forensic accountant at Northwest Industries–among the top 50 largest companies in the Industrial 500.
Ken also enjoyed being involved in local politics. He was the youngest person ever elected to the Palatine city council and, as a master of underground campaigns, worked on city, local, state, and federal election campaigns. He was an avid fan of jokes and riddles, a movie buff, a radio enthusiast, and even a local radio sportscaster. To this day he is fondly referred to as “Grancle” by the children of his nieces and nephews. Ken moved to The Villages, FL in 2017, where he was well loved and enjoyed a wide range of interests and new skills, including playing ukulele.
Ken is survived by his cousins, Jerri L. (husband Lee) Pasborg and Paul J. (wife Gail) Bunce; niece Rhonna (nee Javierto Padao, husband Evaldas) Oleinikas and sons (Jared and Jensen); niece Christine Joy (nee Javierto, husband Rimando) Ang and daughter (Bianca Javierto); many nephews and nieces-in-law or by marriage of the extended Javierto family, who dearly love him; spiritual counselor and good friend, Sr. Francisca Nzeke; and caregiver and good friend, Bonnie (husband Stephen) Dorr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved “Annie” of 40 years, next to whom he has been laid to rest in Oakbrook Terrace, IL; and his brother, Richard (wife Wanda) Bunce.
A celebration of his life is postponed until a later date.
Online condolences and fond memories may be shared by visiting, www.chapelhillgardenswest.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in his honor to the charity of your choice. Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181, 630-941-5860.
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