August 2026
Kenneth John “Ken” Becker, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, educator, and faithful servant of
Christ, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 81. He passed peacefully at his home in Algonquin, Illinois, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
Ken was born on May 4, 1945, to Oscar H. and Renata H. (née Treskow) Becker. From an early age, his life was rooted in faith—a faith that would shape not only his own family, but generations of students and families entrusted to his care.
Ken was claimed as a child of God through Holy Baptism on May 27, 1945, when he was baptized by his paternal grandfather, the Rev. Christopher Becker. On March 22, 1959, Ken publicly confirmed his Christian faith.
After graduating from Rich East High School in Park Forest in 1963, Ken attended Concordia University in River Forest, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1968. He later returned to Concordia and earned his Master of Arts degree in Education in 1971.
Ken answered God’s call to serve the Church as a Lutheran educator, dedicating more than four decades of his life to Christian education. For 25 years, he served at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Hillside, Illinois, in many roles, including classroom teacher, youth director, athletic director, and principal.
In 1993, Ken and his family settled in the Lake in the Hills/Algonquin community, where he continued his ministry at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in East Dundee. He continued serving as principal through the 2012–2013 school year.
For Ken, education was much more than a profession; it was a calling. Through his leadership, teaching, coaching, encouragement, and Christian example, he shared the love of Christ and helped nurture the faith of generations of young people. His impact can still be seen in the countless former students, families, teachers, and colleagues whose lives he touched.
On June 29, 1968, Ken married Catherine “Cathy” Rohlwing, the love of his life. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage and built a loving Christian home centered on faith and family.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Cathy; his children, Keith (Alyssa) Becker, Kevin (Cena) Becker, and Carrie (Mike) Grummer; and his daughter-in-law, MaryAnn Becker.
He was a loving and proud grandfather to Owen, Maggie, Caden, Ryan, Gavin, Emma, Jacob, Brayden, and Sophia. He is also also survived by his sister, Dorothy Helmich; his sister-in-law, Kathy Rohlwing; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Toni Rohlwing; his brother-in-law, Tracy Kramer; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Renata Becker; his maternal and paternal grandparents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer and Evelyn Rohlwing; his sister and brother-in-law, Miriam “Mim” and Bob Spitz; his brothers-in-law, the Rev. Clarence Helmich and the Rev. Daniel Rohlwing; his sister-in-law, Cindy Kramer; and, most especially, his beloved son, Christopher M. Becker, who entered eternal life on September 14, 2021.
Outside of his family, church, and school, Ken had a lifelong love of sports and especially enjoyed cheering on his Chicago teams. Whether he was watching a game, talking sports, or supporting the many young athletes he encountered throughout his years in education, sports were always an important and joyful part of his life.
Visitation will be held in Luther Hall at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in East Dundee (310 E. Main St., East Dundee, IL 60118) on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service.
Family and friends will meet for graveside funeral services and committal on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Hillside.
A memorial service celebrating Ken’s new life with Jesus and his Christian faith will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Dundee, officiated by the Rev. William P. Yonker, Senior Pastor. A luncheon will follow at the church.
In true Ken fashion, and in celebration of his lifelong love of sports, family and friends are warmly invited to wear their favorite Chicago sports gear to the service.
Please omit flowers. Memorial gifts may be made in Ken’s memory to the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran School Scholarship Fund, 310 E. Main Street, East Dundee, Illinois 60118. Supporting Christian education and helping future generations of students would be a fitting tribute to Ken’s lifelong dedication to Lutheran education and his faithful service to the Gospel.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23