Kenneth Bowgren

Kenneth James Bowgren, age 65, of Huntley, IL, passed away at his home surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, December 27, 2017.
Ken was born on February 14, 1952, in DeKalb, IL, to proud parents, Harold and Phyllis (Adams) Bowgren. Ken attended local Burlington schools and graduated from Burlington Central High School with the class of 1970. He continued his education at South Dakota State University, graduating in 1979. In 1978, Ken’s heart was stolen by Carole McNew while she gave hers in return. They were united in marriage and began a new life together that would span 40 years.
Ken retired from Laborers Local 582 with 48 years of dedicated service. Following his retirement, Ken worked as a technician for V3 Engineering and volunteered countless hours over his lifetime to community events, his church, and was rarely missing during his children’s many activities. Ken was a past member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Elgin for over 30 years and in since moving to Huntley, he has been a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Ken spent 20 years as a proud member of the South Elgin Lions Club where he served on the board and was past president. Most recently, he co-chaired the latest building addition. Ken loved travel and had a knack for photography. His experience in horticulture was evident in the many plants and flowers that responded to his unique ‘green thumb”. According to Ken, no flower should be taken or cut from its natural habitat where nature displayed their beauty. If faith was Ken’s foundation, then his home was built around family. He loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids, watching with pride as they grew. Ken taught them respect, dignity, commitment and honor through his actions, not just his words. They witnessed him give his all to everything he put his mind and heart to, often seeing him take the highest road possible in any given situation. His wisdom may have been bought through experience, but he gave it freely to anyone who asked. Ken’s humble nature could never hide his accomplishments, nor minimize the loss felt at his passing. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Carole; two children: Aaron (Charisse) Bowgren and Megan (Kosta) Benetatos; four grandchildren: Vas, Silas, Amos and Dahlia; one sister Linda (Terry) Scallion; two brothers: Dale (Margaret) Bowgren and Carl (Sandi) Bowgren as well as in-laws Jean (Lee) Bowgren, Dora (Dennis) McNew-Clarke, Raymond (Judy) McNew, along with his many nieces, nephews, cousins and a family of friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Phyllis Bowgren and one brother, Lee Bowgren.
A memorial visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, Huntley, IL, from 9-10:30 a.m., with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 11, 2018. Private family interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to consider contributing to a memorial fund that has been established in Ken’s name, to benefit UW Madison Health Center, St. Anthony Oncology Clinic, Rockford, Huntley Trinity Lutheran Church and Transitions Hospice of Huntley. Checks may be made to the “Kenneth Bowgren Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A memorial service to follow at 11 a.m., Thursday, January 11, 2018.

A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, January 11, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Huntley, IL, from 9-10:30 a.m.,

Private family interment will follow at a later date.