LANCASTER, Kenneth H

Beacon News (Chicago IL) Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Kenneth "Ken" H Lancaster, 80, of Somonauk, IL, formerly a 75 year resident of Aurora, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Provena Mercy Medical Center after a long battle with heart disease and kidney failure. He was born November 4, 1931 in Aurora, the son of the late Gladys (Muir) and Edwin Lancaster. Ken was employed by Western Manufacturing Co. from 1947 to 1970. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. After leaving Western Manufacturing, Ken went to work at Equipto for 22 years until the factory closed. He also worked for District 129 at Greenman School for two years as a janitor before retirement. Ken was a life member of the Amvets and the Phoenix Club, and was a long time member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #1606. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 50 years, Jan; his children, Kristy (her significant other Curt Deufel), and Michael (his fiance Kelly Thorpen) Lancaster; his four granchildren, Cara, Michaela, TeeJay and Ryan; his sisters, Rev Eleanor Lancaster of Black Canyon, AZ, Vera Stubing of Sun City, AZ, and Judy (Michael) Hentges of Buckeye, AZ; numerous nieces, nephews and friends; special son and wood supplier, Chris Federman; special "Scorpio" sister, Joni Roscoe; and his canine buddies, Molly, J.R. and Butch. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, LeRoy, Larry and Donald; and his sister, June Hiemenz. Ken was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed planting a garden and growing peach trees, and wood working. He also loved cooking and was known to many as "Kenny Crocker". Ken was a big Green Bay Packers fan. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr Sean Rardin and staff, Dr J Sayeed and Dr Dodhia of Dreyer Medical Clinic, Fresenius Medical Care and staff and DeKalb County Home Care. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 16, 2012 at 1:00pm at the Daleiden Mortuary. Pastor Damian McCrink will officiate with interment in Lincoln Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 15, 2012 from 3:00pm to 8pm at the Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N Lake Street, Aurora, Il 60606.