Ken Quarnstrom, 59, passed peacefully into the big timber in the sky, on Saturday, April 12, 2025 after a 24 year discussion with brain cancer.

Ken was born in Maine, the son of Chuck Quarnstrom and Carolyn Summers. He was also additionally raised lovingly by his bonus Mom, Claudette Quarnstrom. He grew up with a passion for the outdoors and spending time torturing his beloved sister, Kari Hess, with relentless pranks, puns, and making up fun games to play. This, however, meant he also made up his own rules and that later led to all games being affectionately known by many as "Ken Wins." He was passionate about conservation, ethical hunting and fishing, as well as seeing his children and loved ones be happy. For 'recharging' he spent many hours, enjoying life on his old Allis Chalmers tractor, endlessly mowing the fields on the family's property near Galena.

Ken married his best friend, Christina (Wagner) Quarnstrom in May 1995 during a fabulous Midwestern monsoon. They went on to have two children, the lights of his life… his son, Casey (Naomi Nieves) Quarnstrom and daughter Karly Quarnstrom.

Ken's early career was as a Wildlife Artist. Eventually, as life's responsibilities took root, he fell into a brilliant career as an electrical lineman, working for private contractors and for the longest period, for the City of Naperville. He loved his job, and was proud of being part of bringing electricity to the people and by all accounts, was well respected by his fellow line workers.

He is survived by his wife and children. His stepmother, Claudette Quarnstrom, his in-laws, Don & Diana Wagner, his sister, Kari (Brian Bickham) and his four bonus siblings by marriage, (Jeannette Hoogestraat, Peter Hoogestraat (Chris), Francis Shepherd and Nicole Dirks (Jim) plus a whole crew of nieces & nephews; Jillian, PJ, Dustin, Hannah, Isabelle, Olivia, Otto, Amelia, Jack, Charlie & Wren for whom Uncle Kenny was more of an icon than simply an uncle. It would not do justice to Ken's legacy to not mention the amazing number of friends he has, some of which are surrogate family. Throughout this long journey of illness, so many people have stood by and helped in every way imaginable. Ken was, and especially Chrissy will be, forever grateful.

He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Quarnstrom and his mother, Carolyn Summers Mittman, and his grandparents, as well as so many dogs that are waiting for him on the other side of the rainbow bridge.

His unparalleled timing and humor will forever have touched anyone who was lucky enough to know him. The greatest tribute you could give to Ken would be to take a kid fishing, or out in the woods, and teach them about nature, conservation, and love of the land. Particularly hitting close to home in his later years was a dream to provide hunting/fishing adventures for disabled individuals. These are the things that he loved to share with people, so that would be a great way to remember him and possibly give a lot of happiness to yourself and others.

A celebration of his life will be held on June 7, 2025 at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Rd, Oswego, IL from 1pm to 5pm, with a 4:00 p.m. time of sharing of stories of Ken.  The family strongly wishes that you bring with you your favorite story of Ken either in your head or in writing to share because we know there are so many wonderful stories out there that will help keep Ken's legacy alive.