KENNETH “Ken” HOLDER

Kenneth L. “Ken” Holder, age 64, of Cortland, IL, passed away Tuesday, February 28, 2023, surrounded by the love and prayers of his family.

He was born June 11, 1958, in DeKalb, IL, to loving parents, Marvin and Sandra Holder.

Ken grew up in St. Charles, IL, and attended local schools. He graduated from St. Charles High School with the class of 1976. Diploma in hand, Ken was glad to never look back.

Ken was lucky in love twice in his life and was blessed with three children, Karissa, Amanda, and Kara.

He worked for several different companies throughout his career but spent 25 years at Avenue Chevrolet in Batavia as a parts manager before its closing.

Ken had an incredible sense of humor that always left you with a smile, if not bent over in laughter. He also loved to roll down the windows, crank the classic rock to “11” and put the pedal to the metal.  Ken was a Chicago fan, especially his beloved Bears, love he literally wore on his sleeve. He was an avid golfer who took to the links any time he could and continued his lifetime search for the elusive hole in one. Ken was king of the grill and nothing ever tasted better than when he was in charge (except for pork chops, much to his chagrin). He gave of his friendship freely and hardly a day passed without his family of friends growing, but family always came first. Nobody loved their family more and he was never happier than when he was surrounded by the familiar love and laughter of his family.

He now leaves his loving mother, Sandra Holder; three children: Karissa Holder, Amanda (Matthew) Smith and Kara (Matthew) Wileman; six grandchildren: Cameron, Sydney, Olivia, Madison, Ryder, and Colton; three siblings: Lori (Michael) Johnson, Jana (Jeff) West and Tim (Linda) Holder; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends.

He is now reunited with his father Marvin A. Holder and both his maternal and paternal grandparents.  

Visitation will be from 1-3p.m., with a memorial service to begin at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. In accordance with his wishes, Ken wanted to donate to Gift of Hope, an organ donation organization. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.