Kenneth Irving Monsen

Of Wheeling

Kenneth I. Monsen was born on October 5, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Irving and Lillian (nee Lundin) Monsen. He died Saturday, January 2, 2021 at his home in Wheeling, IL. Ken grew up in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago and graduated from Austin HS. He attended Wright College in Chicago. Ken enlisted in the US Army and served in the Korean Conflict, stationed in Okinawa.

Following a brief stint at Helene Curtis, Ken worked as a Computer Operator for Encyclopedia Britannica in Chicago for over 35 years. He was a Life Member of Amvets since 1974 and the American Legion, Paid Up For Life. He loved all Chicago sports teams but mostly the CHICAGO CUBS and Wrigley Field. Technically, he was a baseball fan. His intricate knowledge of the game and its nuances were apparent, as we would have frequent conversations on the subject. Even though he was a lifelong Cub fan, he may very well have been their harshest critic: Many family and friends endured the mental anguish of sitting through a game at Ken's side. Thankfully, Ken was able to see his Cubs win the 2016 World Series with many of his family by his side where he exclaimed, "They did it! They finally did it!" He was glad to be proven wrong as his familiar phrase was "definitely not in my lifetime...maybe yours". The honeymoon, of sorts, only lasted that offseason and things were back to “normal” by Spring Training 2017 as he would annually travel to AZ with his Wife, Louise, some family and friends every March and catch a couple of games while there.

We will miss his presence at “Monsen Tuesday” and future family gatherings but we celebrate his life and his legacy. Kenneth loved to spend time with his family and was loved by all.

Kenneth is survived by his Wife, Louise (nee Leonhardt); children, Barbara (Donald) Peterson, Donald (Lynn) Monsen, William (Lisa) Monsen, Douglas (Tonya) Monsen and Christine (Wallace) Kehr; grandchildren, Chantal (Brian) Schweizer, Kenneth (Megan) Monsen, Anthony Ruiz, Timothy (Tara) Monsen, Tyler (Amy) Monsen, Lauren Monsen, Bridget Monsen, Elizabeth Monsen, Daniel Kehr, Brandon Monsen, Ryan Monsen and Melanie Kehr; great-grandchildren, Kaden Monsen, Clark Monsen, Charlie Schweizer, Ethan Schweizer, Miles Schweizer, Jack Schweizer, Elliott Monsen, Ivy Monsen, Killian Monsen, Clara Monsen and Evan Monsen; step-children, Kevin (Cathy) Kost and Kerry (Adrian) Kost; step-grandchildren, Mallory Kost, Clare Kost, Brendan Kost and Kevin Kost; sister, Betty (the late Edwin) Holke; nephew, David (Barbara) Holke and niece Diane (Jack) Sweeney.

He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Robert Holke; and grandson, Christopher Monsen.

A Memorial Service celebrating Ken's life will be held at a later date.

Condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.