Obituary of Kenneth E. Grudis

Kenneth E. Grudis, age 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Serenity Estates in Morris, IL. He was born in Chicago, to the late Antoinette Grudis. He was raised in the Chicago and Verona areas, and graduated with the Class of 1945 from Mazon High School. 

Ken, a United States Navy Veteran, was a life member of the Morris VFW Cantigny Post #6049, the DAV, a former member of Cantigny Post #367, and enjoyed drinking his "Lithuania tea" at the American Legion Post #294.  He was a retired boilermaker from Local 1 of Chicago with 30 years of service, and a proud 70 year union member. He was previously employed as an ironworker with Chicago Bridge and Iron. Ken and his late wife, Ruby, enjoyed dancing and volunteering for many community events and veteran's functions.

Ken is preceded in death by his second wife, Ruby (nee Vineyard); his mother and step-father, Antoinette (nee Grudis) and Joseph Caufield and his grandson, Evan Vint.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathy Vint of Mazon, Kristine Grudis of Wood Dale, and Karen (Tony) Zaldivar of Morris; his grandchildren, Ryan Vint of Mazon and Alyssa and Kaley Zaldivar both of Alsip.

Inurnment for Ken will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at  Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Navy and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lightways Hospice and Serenity Estates for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Ken. They respected his wishes and treated him with dignity and a sense of humor, allowing him to remain a "tough old boy" until the end. 

For more information please call 815-942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence.