Kenneth J. Jurek

Ken was born on July 26th, 1948 in Hammond, Indiana. He grew up in Harvey, Illinois where he played football and graduated from Thornton Township High School. He was a golf caddie throughout his early teen years and was a recipient of an Evans Scholarship. Using the scholarship and earnings from being a caddie, he received his Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign. Achieving his lifetime goal, Ken became a successful Corporate Litigator specializing in Intellectual Property. Throughout his 40+ years as an attorney he worked for Chicago firms Mayer Brown & Platt and McDermott Will & Emery. He was well respected in his field and received the prestigious “Who’s Who” legal award, was named one of the “Super Lawyers” in Illinois, and was inducted into the Thornton Township HS Alumni Hall of Fame. He was passionate about his profession and wrote several litigation guidebooks and taught law school litigation courses in retirement.

Ken married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Paulette Sergott, on January 16th, 1971. After living in Urbana, IL, downtown Chicago, and an apartment in Lisle, IL, they decided to build a home in Naperville, IL. There, they raised three children: Jeremy, Tiffany and Jason. They enjoyed Friday night bowling league, Disco dancing in the 80s and block parties with the neighbors. In 1988, Ken and Paulette moved to Lake Forest, IL where they built their dream home. Despite working long hours with extensive business travel, Ken still found time to coach youth sports in addition to being an active member of the Homeowners Association and Parish Council at St. Patrick’s Church. He joined Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park where he developed a love for golf, played couples tennis every Saturday night, dined with family and friends, and hosted many holiday gatherings.

In retirement, Ken and Paulette moved to Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where they were active members of the Old Palm Golf Club. Enjoying activities such as golf and tennis, they liked to travel, wine and dine with friends, and spend time with family. Ken was also a great host who loved to entertain.

Throughout his life, Ken was an excellent storyteller with a great sense of humor. He could light up a room with his smile and stories. He was known for his generosity and willingness to always help others. His love for sports was well received by all who knew him. Supporting his alma mater and all the local sports teams, a conversation with Ken usually touched upon a win, loss or interesting sports fact.

A successful lawyer, prominent figure in the community, proud father and great friend, Ken will be dearly missed by all that had the honor of knowing him.

Ken leaves behind his beloved wife, Paulette of 52 years; his son, Jeremy (Stephanie) Jurek; daughter, Tiffany (Michael) Caltagirone; brothers, Augie (Joy), Tim (Debby), and Jeff (Cindi) Jurek, sister in-law, Roxane (Wayne) Kurt; brothers in-law, Dixon Slater and Dale Chellis and grandchildren, Ryan, Emily, Gina, Lily, and Michael. Ken was predeceased by his son, Jason Jurek; parents, August and Rose Jurek; brother, Robert Jurek, in-laws, Anthony and Valerie Sergott and sisters in-law, Toni Sergott and Terry Slater.

A memorial service will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33410 on Saturday, November 11th 2023. Funeral mass beginning at 11am with luncheon following in the church hall. Interment will be at a later date.

Floral arrangements can be ordered from Flower Kingdom in Palm Beach Gardens, or in lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to Evans Scholars Foundation – https://wgaesf.org/content/memorials-and-honorariums