October 20, 1937 - October 1, 2020
Kenneth E. Cradduck, 82, of Steward, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 1st, 2020 at Heritage Health Hospice Home in Mendota, IL.
He was born on October 20, 1937, in Mendota, IL to Earl and Erma (Mittan) Cradduck. He was united in marriage to Lonnie Grover on June 28, 1975 in Big Rock, IL.
Kenneth was a 1955 graduate of Paw Paw High School. Right after graduation he worked as a packer at General Electric in DeKalb for a couple of years. He farmed together with his brother for over 40 years near Paw Paw, retiring in 2003. During that time he also maintained the gravel roads in his township. He loved to drive and he took any opportunity to be behind a tractor; helping to fill a pothole after a heavy rainstorm, plowing neighbors’ driveway free after a snowfall, or helping his daughter-in-law pull her car out of the ditch.
Kenneth enjoyed collecting die-cast tractors, trucks and pretty much anything that had a John Deere emblem on it. He was a regular at the local coffee spot in the mornings, he loved to be around friends and meet new people. He never missed a school musical, winter concert, or other school event, especially when his grandchildren were involved in them. He was also an enthusiastic gardener, finding joy in tending to his vegetable plants and sharing them amongst family and friends.
He is survived by two sons, Leroy (Sheila) Cradduck of Oak Harbor, WA and Dante Cradduck of California, sister-in-law Marilyn Grover of DeKalb, IL, niece Chantel (Jim) Jones of Peoria, Illinois, nephew Carson (Vicky) Cradduck of Mount Prospect, IL; and several more nieces, nephews, cousins, and grandchildren. He was a proud grandpa to “his boys” his grandsons Gabriel, Alexander, Lukas and Henry Johnston.
Kenneth is preceded in death by his wife Lonnie; his parents Earl and Erma Cradduck; his father and mother-in-law Ike and Elizabeth (Morris) Grover; his brother Dennis and sister-in-law Anita.
Due to the coronavirus, there will be a private funeral service on Tuesday, October 6th, 2020 at Restland Cemetery in Mendota with Pastor Ken Foster officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Paw Paw. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
I remember when Lonnie died, which was not too long after my sister died. Kenny and I had a good visit at her wake and it helped both of us with our grief. He had a good life. Condolences to the family.
Ken married my cousin Lonnie Grover and brought so much Love and Fun into the Morris families. When they came for a visit and we were not at home, he would stack our outdoor furniture blocking the front door. The door was unlocked once and he blocked a doorway inside the house. He also would set Dad’s alarm clock to go off around 3:00 AM. LOL Ken and Lonnie treated me like their own taking me to Wisconsin Dells, The House On The Rock, movies and bowling. Ken became my Dad and Mom’s best friend. If his teasing didn’t put a smile on your face, his laugh would. He was Loved by many and will be missed! God Bless!
Kenny; as was Lonnie; a very dear friend of ours who will never be forgotten. He was like a grandpa to my sons also.
Your message *I Love you Dad, You will be missed alot by not only me but friends and family will miss you! May you R..i.P. Love Always & Forever Your Son Leroy
Your message *Ken so enjoyed his coffee times with friends. He always attended his children’s athletics and events as well as his grandsons events. Kenny was usually one of the first ones at these events in order for a front roll seat. He will be missed. Sending my deepest sympathy and hugs to the family.