Kenneth R. DeMars Sr.

Kenneth "Pudge" DeMars, Sr., age 91, of Rockton, Illinois, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024. He was born on August 22, 1932 to Richard and Pearl DeMars in Escanaba, Michigan. Pudge met the love of his life, Kathryn Elaine Ross, around the age of 13, though they didn't start dating until some years later.

At the age of 16, his adventurous spirit led him to join the crew of a Great Lakes freighter, which he did for the next 3 years. In 1952, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Tucson, Arizona. On July 4, 1953, Ken married Elaine in Escanaba.

He worked as an electrician, employed by Sundstrand Corporation for 38 years. He enjoyed spending time with his 10 siblings in the Upper Peninsula visiting their camp in Stonington, and cheering on the Packers.

Ken is survived by his wife, Elaine; children Ken "Butch" (Deb) DeMars, Dean (Judi) DeMars, Jennifer (Bill) Sabin, and Kevin "Kip" (Amy) DeMars; grandchildren Jessie, Jamie, Brandon, Jordan, Tyler, Kyle, Julie, Cody, Caitlyn, Amy, Mathew, Josh and Corey; 17 beloved great-grandchildren; and siblings Pat Grover, Dale DeMars, Karen Beaumier, and Mike DeMars. Kenneth was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Anne DeMars; son, Glenn "Toby" DeMars and his wife Deb DeMars; parents Richard and Pearl DeMars; and siblings Richard "Bun" DeMars, Carole Belland, JoAnn Pearson, Bob DeMars, Gary "GiGi" DeMars, and Mary "MiMi" Forvilly.

A visitation for Ken will be held Friday, May 10, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 North Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115.

Please join the DeMars Family for a Celebration of Ken's Life at 3:30 at the American Legion Center, 221 Main Street, Rockton, IL 61072