Kenneth B. Grodjesk, 70, of Lake Warren, Monmouth, Illinois, died at 4:23 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2017 at his son’s home in North Henderson, Illinois.
He was born October 16, 1946, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of Joseph E. and Selma (Brach) Grodjesk. He married Carol J. Endicott November 30, 1968, in Springfield, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 49 years, Carol; two sons, Benjamin Grodjesk of Yucca Valley, California and Joseph (Randi) Grodjesk of North Henderson; three grandchildren, Victoria Grodjesk-Morger, Emily Grodjesk, and Jonathan Grodjesk; a brother, David Grodjesk of Fairfield, Iowa; three sisters, Ellen Butler of Miami, New Mexico, Carol (Pam Rankin) Grodjesk of Encinitas, California, and Donna Grodjesk of Carmel Valley, California; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Ken was raised and educated in Tenafly, New Jersey. He was an Eagle Scout with Troop 115 and graduated from Tenafly High School in 1965. He relocated to Illinois, where he earned his associate’s degree from Lincoln College, his bachelor’s degree from Bradley University, his master’s degree from Illinois State University, and his doctorate degree from Northern Illinois University. Ken was an educator for over 40 years. He taught at Washington and Broadmoor Junior High Schools in Pekin, Illinois Central College, Monmouth College, and Carl Sandburg College.
Ken had many professional affiliations throughout his life. He was a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Phi Delta Kappa, Alpha Phi Omega, Central Illinois Science Exchange, the National and Illinois Science Teachers Associations, and the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, where he received “Teacher of the Year” recognition.
Ken worked with the Illinois Heart Association, where he established and chaired the first CPR Coordinating Committee in Illinois. He wrote the CPR program that was later adopted by the State Association.
Ken was an EMT and had just finished his scholastic work to become a paramedic. He volunteered with the Alexis/North Henderson Ambulance Service and Gerlaw Fire Department. He was a member of Temple Sholom in Galesburg.
Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday at Temple Sholom. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alexis/North Henderson Ambulance Service, Temple Sholom, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.