Kenneth "Ken" W. Gritzmaker, 73, of Lena, IL passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 29, 2021. He was born April 17, 1948 to Lee and Inez (Brandt) Gritzmaker in Monroe, WI. He married Mary Anne Knoll on July 15, 1967 in Martintown, WI. Ken served his country in the United States Army from 1968-1969, where he was stationed in Germany. He then worked for Honeywell in Freeport until he retired in 2005.

Ken enjoyed watching NASCAR especially Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Sr., fishing with his best friends Terry and Anthony, deer hunting, gardening, playing cards especially with his grandchildren, trips to Red Wing Minnesota to gamble, and traveling to almost all 50 states with Mary Anne.

He is survived by his wife Mary Anne of Lena; daughters- Rhonda (Tom) Ostendorf of Freeport, IL and Jamie (Brian) Eilders of Lena; grandchildren- Kendra (Patrick) Holland, Brandon Ostendorf, Alyssa Ostendorf, Brian (Jennifer) Wybourn, Jordan (Cora) Eilders, Brendan Eilders, and Brady Eilders; great grandchildren- Brooklyn, Madison, Emmett, Colt, and Duke; siblings- Gary (Paula) Gritzmaker, Alan Gritzmaker, and Mary Payne; and brother-in-law Vernon Tearman.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Willis Gritzmaker, and sister Jean Tearman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday June 5, 2021 at Lena United Methodist Church in Lena, IL.

Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of services on Saturday at the Lena United Methodist Church.

Pastor Keri Rainsberger will be officiating the service.

Burial will take place at Lena Burial Park in Lena, IL.

A memorial has been established in his memory.