Kenneth E. Smith

Kenneth E. Smith (Ken), longtime resident of Gurnee, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 20, 2012 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Ken was a devoted husband, father, son, grandson, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to all who were blessed to be touched by his warm and loving personality, quick sense of humor, and adventurous spirit.

Ken was the loving husband and best friend of Maryl L. Smith (nee Klemm); devoted father of Melissa (Benjamin) Eagar and Larry (Shelly) Smith; adoring grandfather known to them as Punka, of Morgan Smith, Ernie Eagar, and Claire Eagar; son of Donna Smith; brother of Nick (Amanda) Smith; beloved grandson of the late Margarite and Norman Ebert and devoted son-in-law; cherished brother-in-law; and fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Born with a passion to help others, Ken’s life is an example of service, dedication, and philanthropy. As a young adult Ken achieved the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America, which fueled a lifetime love of Scouting and service. Ken was Scout Master of Troop 771 in Gurnee, Illinois. He served as Council President of the southeast Wisconsin Council Boy Scouts of America in 2001 and 2002 and was a Northwest Suburban Council Boy Scouts of America Advisory Board Member. Ken also served his country in the U.S. Navy.

Over the course of the years, Ken belonged to many different service organizations in a variety of capacities. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Free Masons and served four terms as Worshipful Master at Monitor Lounsbury Masonic Lodge #522 in Barrington, Illinois. Ken was also a member of the Valley of Chicago Scottish Rite and a member of the Medinah Shrine in Addison.

Since 2004, Ken served on the Gateway for Cancer Research Board of Director as Vice Chairman and member of the Executive Committee. His philanthropic efforts were demonstrated by the more than $650,000 he and his wife Maryl helped raise for cancer research. Over the years, this money went toward helping patients feel better, live longer, and in many cases, succeed in their fight against cancer.

Ken became an insurance agent for Allstate Insurance Company in 1999. The years that followed were a whirlwind of success and awards, including Best In Company - Overall, Agency Achievement Award, Allstate Leader's Forum, Chairman's Inner Circle, Allstate Financial Leader Award, Honor Ring, and last year was inducted into the Allstate Financial Hall of Fame. The honor dearest to Ken’s heart was the Ray Lynch Community Service Award, an honor that recognizes one agent annually. It is awarded to the company's most dedicated agents and financial specialists for exceptional community service.

Ken was devoted to his family, cherished his friends, and was an avid Bears and Cubs fan. He was passionate about travel and fishing and spent as much time as he could traveling with his wife and friends around the world as he did boating with his grandchildren.

The family will be accepting visitors on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, July 25, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Marsh Funeral Home A chapel service will be held at the funeral home at 11a.m. on Wednesday, followed by internment at Warren Cemetery, Gurnee, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be sent to: Assistance in Healthcare, Inc., P.O. Box 396, Zion, Illinois 60099. (http://aihonline.org/donate#donatenow).