Kenneth L. Massey

Kenneth Massey, 83, of Elk Grove Village, Illinois, passed away on September 25, 2026. Born in Dubuque, Ken was an Iowa boy at heart and talked fondly of spending the summers at his grandparents’ farm as a child. The Midwest was woven into Ken’s very fibers as he and his wife Madonna, “Bunny,’ went on to live in Derby, Kansas, Battle Creek, Michigan, Elmhurst, Illinois, Lincoln, Nebraska and finally Elk Grove Village.

Reading extensively and thinking critically about the world was something Ken did regularly. He loved sharing his insights and debating different topics with any audience. And, the number of random facts that Ken held onto was a source of much teasing with his kids. However, when someone in the family needed to know which car to buy, Ken would provide the latest research from multiple sources as well as his own opinion.

Cooking was a true passion of Ken’s. Experimenting with ingredients and spices yielded amazing creations that Ken loved sharing with family and friends.While his detailed recipes will be treasured, no one will really be able to replicate his tapioca pudding or apple crisp.

Ken and Bunny made walking part of their everyday activity. Ken was fastidious about getting his two miles on the treadmill each morning and always taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Walking to the store or strolling around their lake was something they enjoyed. Walking to the park to meet the great grandchildren was the best walk.

Ken was a champion of those in need, baking loaves of homemade bread for the soup kitchen, buying winter coats, hats and gloves for elementary students in need, and being a Big Brother/Big Sister with his wife. Ken had a soft heart for anyone in a tough situation, and he did not hesitate to step up.

Ken took great pride in his family and friends. He made it known that he considered himself so very fortunate to have the family and friends that he did, and he genuinely valued these connections.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Blair and Selma Massey, his brother, Donald, and his first grandson, Adam Pearlman. He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Bunny, of 64 years, his three daughters, Susan (Timothy) O’Neil, Barbara Pearlman, and Amy (Larry) Vincent. Ken had 6 granddaughters, Alyssa (Nick) Goodknight, Nicole (Tom) Galvin, Katelyn (Jacob) Samuels, Jessica (Dan) Rowland, Abby (Jack) Ridge and Kailey O’Neil, along with 5 great grandchildren, all who brought immense joy.

A private service will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens West in Oakbrook Terrace. In lieu of flowers, please honor Ken’s memory by reaching out to someone special and sharing a walk or nice meal.