Kenneth Doyle Smith, 60, of Harwood Heights, IL, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. The funeral service will be held at Noon on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, where friends may call after 11 AM at the funeral chapel until the time of service. The burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena. He was born on September 1, 1963, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Doyle and Carol (Rousseau) Smith. Ken was a proud graduate of Waukegan High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance from Northeastern Illinois University, an AAS degree in Computer Science from the College of Lake County, and a Master of Divinity and MBA degrees from North Park University. Ken was a former medic in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1995-1996 North Chicago, IL, also serving in 68W at U.S. Army (combat medicine) 1993-1994 and Fort Sam Houston, TX, 71L/Admin Specialist at U.S. Army 1990-1993 Fort McCoy, WI, and 11B Infantry at U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence 1983-1989 Atlanta, GA. He was united in marriage to Diane Smith on June 22, 1996, and she preceded him in death on October 24, 2020. Ken loved Marvel comics, movies, and anything to do with Star Wars. He also enjoyed collecting historical memorabilia. An avid animal lover, Ken volunteered countless hours at his local animal shelter and did dog sitting for Rover. A staunch Republican (like his father Doyle), Ken was a consistent poll worker at his local precinct. Ken was studying to become a pastor through the Melrose Park Free Methodist Church at his death. He owned his church in Dixon, IL (New Life Church of Dixon) and looked forward to sharing God’s word again soon. At his passing, Ken was a multi-department expert in TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Lacerte at Intuit. He owned New England Professional Services, a bookkeeping and accounting services provider. Ken also held past positions as Office Leader, Master Tax Advisor at H&R Block, Life Group Leader at Crown Financial Ministries, Co-Founder and Board member for Wee Rock Child Development Center, ACT Instructor at Kaplan and Cambridge, and Senior Staff Accountant at Brown CPA Group, Ltd. Ken also acquired his business/real estate license from Triton College and worked at Zerillo Realty as a Real Estate Broker in his spare time. He is survived by his mother, Carol Smith of Galena, IL, two sisters, Lori Vines of Potosi, WI, and Sandy (Jim) Morris of South Amana, IA, and many loved nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by his father and his beloved wife, Diane Smith, and a niece, April Campbell. Memorials may be given to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) to remember Ken and Diane’s beloved dogs, Bandit and Bailey.
Kenneth D. Smith
So sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. He loved the Lord and lived out his faith.
We are sorry to hear of your loss. A donation to Orphans of the Storm is being made in memoriam of Ken.
Our prayers are with you.
I was blessed to know Ken, I’ve known him since 1977, he was always there for me when I needed him all these years. Ken always had great time management no matter how busy and that was always impressive to me. He and I went to alot concerts and movies over the years and when I moved into my condo he was the one that helped me move. I’m sorry to his family for the loss, I hadn’t seen him in person for over two years.I miss already.Ken was a great inspiration to me and everyone, that guy never knew the meaning of the word quit.Once again I’m sorry for the loss, Ken you and I will meet again one day.
Kent and I are so sorry. He was our accountant and friend. He was so easy to talk to and had a lovely life outlook. He always spoke of his wife and all the things he accomplished. Will be sadly missed. Susan Gundell and Kent Karwoski
You all have my deepest sympathy, I chatted with Kenny a few years back, he sure lived an interesting life. Treasure the happy memories.
There are so many lies in this obit. Ken was the most unhonest scammer that I know. The lies are coming to the surface and the truth will come out on nightline.
On behalf of Ken’s work team at Intuit, we wanted to express our sympathy to Ken’s family and loved ones. He will be missed by our team! He always had a smile for everyone, expressed concern for us in our personal lives and work lives as well. Our customers and our team members all benefited from his expertise.
Our thoughts are with you.
Candace Crews, Senior Leader Multi Domain Expert Group
Intuit
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of a dear team mate. Ken was great to work with. He was full of solutions and life experiences to resolve most issues. May fond memories of Ken bring his family and friends comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayer goes to Ken’s family. Please accept my heart felt condolences.
We met Ken several years ago and he was a very interesting and amazing friend .. He always had a minute or more to spare for anyone and everyone .. He is with god now and his lovely wife Diane and the dogs .. Peace be with you friend.. See you on the other side
Susan and Kent
We are so sorry for the loss of Ken- he was such a caring and kind person that will be greatly missed. We were lucky enough to find Ken on the Rover app in 2022, he cared for our dogs Bella and Rider. Ken would always send us the best videos of their playtime together. He was a remarkable person and we loved the friendship that formed over the past few years. We are grateful to have known Ken and will make a donation in his honor to the ASPCA.