Kathleen M. Krenek

Kathleen was a loving wife to her high school sweetheart of 49 years, caring Mother, and dedicated Grammy who cherished moments with her four grandchildren. Kathleen was also a thoughtful and beloved friend to many.

Kathleen grew up in Park Ridge, IL where she attended Maine East High School and she met her husband Kent. She went on to Valparaiso University in Indiana where she got her Bachelors Degree in psychology. She later returned to Northern Illinois to receive her Masters in Nutrition. Kathleen went on to use all of her degrees at different points of her life. Her most favorite “job” was taking care of her first three grandchildren while her daughter and son-in-law commuted into the city for work. Kathleen had a large and thoughtful heart, often helping others out when they needed support.

One of Kathleen’s lifelong hobbies was sewing – she made her own wedding dress, quilted multiple blankets and during the Covid pandemic took great joy in picking out “fun” fabrics and making masks for her family. Some of Kathleen’s other loves included gardening, shopping, walking and taking care of the many dogs she had throughout her life. Kathleen’s favorite places to visit and vacation always included a beach and looking for seashells, with Sanibel Island Florida holding a particularly special place in her heart.

Kathleen will be missed greatly by many, but we all take comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with Kent.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Glickley; and grandchildren, Evan, Clara, Owen, and Colin; sister-in-law, Karrie (John) Klement; nephews, Kyle (Bonni) and Jeffrey; and her beloved dog, Rosie.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband and high school sweetheart of 49 years, Kent Krenek; her parents Jeanette & Robert Lubeck; and her brother, Thomas Lubeck.

Any memorial donations under her name may be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090 or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, ATTN: WHMW, Donation Processing Center, Po Box 5041, Boone, IA 50950.

Family will be receiving guests on Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. A funeral service will be held at Glueckert Funeral Home on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Noon). Interment to immediately follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2501 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.