Kenneth L. Wedge

Kenneth L. Wedge, 85, of Laurium, MI. passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024 in Waukegan, IL.   He was born October 26, 1938 in Waukegan, IL.

Ken grew up in Gurnee, IL, where he attended Gurnee Grade School and Warren Township High School, graduating in the class of 1956.  Following high school, Ken served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He then made his living as an electrical contractor (IBEW), and later as a licensed realtor and assessor in Michigan.

In 1968, Ken moved to Houghton County, MI where he purchased a lakeside home in Lake Linden.  Ken loved the beauty of the Upper Peninsula; hunting and fishing; country & western and bluegrass music.  He happily resided in Houghton County for the remainder of his life, until a terminal illness suggested a return to Illinois, to be closer to family.  Ken was a loving son to his parents during their lives, brother to his sister and brothers, and beloved uncle to his nieces and nephew.  He maintained cherished longtime friendships with a handful of buddies, visiting with them on regular trips back to the Gurnee area and they, on hunting and fishing trips to the UP. 

He is survived by a sister, Bonnie Shepperd (James) of Wadsworth, IL, nieces Deborah Spurgeon, Wadsworth, IL, Laurie Hatton (James) of Zion, IL, Donna Markey (Ron), Albuquerque, NM and nephew John Shepperd (Julie) of Pleasant Prairie, WI, 2 grandnieces, 5 grandnephews, and 3 great-grand nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pearl Wedge, 2 brothers, Lawrence and Allen Wedge, sister-in-law Barbara Wedge, nephew-in-law David Spurgeon, paternal grandparents Clarence and Jessie Wedge, maternal grandparents George and Gladys Melka, as well as a number of aunts and uncles. 

Services will be held at the Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, with visitation at 12:00 p.m., followed by a service at 1:00 p.m.  Pastor Brian Walter, officiating.  Interment to follow at Millburn Cemetery, Old Mill Creek, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Gurnee Community Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee, IL  60031. Please sign the guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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