Kenneth T. Houcek

Kenneth T. Houcek of St. Charles, IL passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 18, 2022 at the age of 83. He was born on July 11, 1938 in Chicago and enjoyed an incredible life full of close family and good friends.

Ken met the love of his life, Renee, 65 years ago - she loved his blue eyes! Following Ken’s graduation from Western Michigan University with a degree in Finance, they married at Mater Christi Church and raised two daughters, Deidre McKee (Bill) and Bonnie Binder (Andy). While the girls were young, Ken bought a 22-foot Starcraft motorhome and the family had many adventures traveling to Quebec and coast-to-coast including eating whole lobsters in Maine, seeing the mountains of Colorado and camping right on the beach in the Florida Keys.

Ken retired from Household International at the “young age” of 57 after 35 years of service. Together he and Renee enjoyed Cotillions, dinners at the Anvil Club, and their place on the lake in northern Minnesota, the same lake Ken had been a dock boy in his youth. To get a better view of the lake, Ken designed and built a sunroom addition with large windows; it soon became the favorite spot to watch the sunset and gather with the kids, and later grandkids, who learned to fish for walleye and northern pike from “the expert.”

Ken and Renee built a lifetime of fun traditions which drew family back to their St. Charles home for holidays and special occasions. Ken was an engaging storyteller and Renee was an excellent cook, so much time was spent around the table in conversations which included grandchildren Ryan Binder (Jordan), Tara McKee, Lauren McKee and Kyle Binder (Mai Chi) making memories.

Along with family, Ken treasured the life-long friendships that were the “secret sauce” to life. He built many relationships and had a knack with people – it was genuine. He and his friends called each other often telling stories back and forth. Ken enjoyed spending time with his neighbor on the back deck talking through creative ways to “fix or repair” something to make it even better than before.

Ken was a life-long Chicago Bears fan and also cheered for the Fighting Irish. He liked to sit so close to his big screen TV wearing his team’s jersey that Renee jokingly worried he would get tackled!

For over 15 years Ken and Renee would leave the winter snow behind to spend time on Marco Island meeting up with friends, watching the manatee and boats glide by and eating at Snooks on the water.

Ken was an inventor, designer, and builder – from large projects to intricate woodworking. His Great-Grandson Mason now plays with the wooden animal train and sleek wooden racecar all made with love.

Ken’s life made a positive difference in those he touched and his legacy of love, humor and actions will live on. The family is grateful to all those who played a part in his incredible life.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home at 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL. The funeral service will be held the following day, Thursday, March 24, 2022 with visitation at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home at 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 7750 Cermak Rd, Forest Park, IL .