Obituary of Kenneth M. Vande Velde

Ken M. Vande Velde

Age 45.  On Friday, June 2, 2017, Ken was doing what he loved and was pushing the limits of his Yamaha YZ450F at Joliet Motorsport Race Track when he suffered a heart attack as the result of an undiagnosed heart condition.  He was born in New York and long time Morris and Mazon, Illinois resident.  A U.S. Navy Veteran.  Employed by Exelon Nuclear Dresden Power Station for over 20 years.   Ken loved motorcycles, street bikes, and dirt bikes.  He especially enjoyed the hours that he and Ryan would spend riding together.  Most of all, Ken was a family man who loved his wife and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but nothing was as special as the time that he and Samantha spent together playing ball, swimming, and just loving life.  

Survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jennifer (nee Kowalczyk) Vande Velde of Mazon; three daughters, Samantha Vande Velde, Brittany Crowley and Heather Cartwright; one son, Ryan Crowley; one grandson, Mason; his parents, Fred and Alice Vande Velde of Florida; one brother, Robert (Jennifer) Vande Velde of Dunkirk, NY; one sister, Christine Vande Velde; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral Services for Ken M. Vande Velde will be Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 West Route 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris, IL, with Rev. Scott Zorn officiating.  Cremation Rites will be accorded following his funeral services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to be used in accordance with his family’s wishes would be appreciated.  Visitation Tuesday 4-8 p.m.  For information, please call 815-942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com