Kenny Kroll

Ken E. Kroll, age 77, passed away on April 28, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and deep community roots that touched countless lives. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, firefighter, crossing guard, neighbor, and friend, Ken spent much of his life building meaningful connections and giving back to the people around him.

Ken’s connection to Berkeley, Illinois, began in childhood while visiting family in the area. Those early memories would later shape the course of his life. After meeting Sharon Kanikula shortly before graduating from Morton East High School, the couple married in 1972 and began building their future together. In 1976, they moved into the home they built on Victoria Avenue in Berkeley, where they would spend the next 48 years raising their family. Their daughters, Tara and Alana, brought great joy to their lives and became the center of Ken’s world. Their family was enriched with the arrival of their granddaughter, Izzy. Family was the heart of Ken’s world, and his devotion to them was evident throughout his life.

In 1986, Ken joined the Berkeley Fire Department as a Paid-on-Call Firefighter, beginning a remarkable 32-year commitment to public service. Through rigorous training and countless emergency calls, Ken served his community with courage, dedication, and compassion. He embraced every aspect of the role—from emergency response to community outreach events, parades, fire prevention programs, and even portraying Santa during holiday ambulance rides through town, spreading joy with warmth and charm. His service created lifelong friendships and left a lasting impact on the Berkeley community. Ken exemplified dedication to the highest standards of public service, earning the respect and admiration of residents, colleagues, friends, and family.

Parallel to his firefighting career, Ken also worked as a semi driver for 40 years throughout the Chicagoland area, representing Teamsters Local 705 where he would retire in 2007, but continued his commitment to the Berkeley Fire Department until his retirement in 2018. He then enjoyed serving the community as a crossing guard at Wolf and St. Charles Roads, where he became a familiar and trusted presence to students, parents, and teachers. Known for his warmth and care, he took pride in keeping children safe each day.

Ken’s personality was as rich as his career; he was known as a connoisseur of both food and conversation, thriving in social settings and valuing every connection. His hobbies reflected a love of sports and leisure: he enjoyed Sunday morning golfing with Joe Traina, card games, and video poker. Ken held lifelong memberships in social organizations such as the Loyal Order of Moose and maintained a passionate allegiance to all Chicago sports teams, especially the Cubs. He deeply cherished his trips to Michigan to be with family, as well as the unforgettable time spent at Uncle Spike’s on Lake Namakagon in Wisconsin—memories made even more meaningful alongside his cousin Mike.

In 2024, Ken and Sharon relocated to West Des Moines, Iowa, to be closer to their daughters and granddaughter, embracing a new chapter surrounded by family. Though they left Berkeley, the memories, friendships, and love for the community remained close to Ken’s heart.

Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon, nee Kanikula; his loving daughters, Tara (AJ) Graff and Alana Kroll (Jeff Wojnowski); his cherished granddaughter, Izzy Graff; his treasured sister, Dee Caputo; fond brother, Ed (Connie) Kroll; dearest sister-in-law, Diane (Harvey) Moshman; many fond nieces and nephews; and numerous dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward C. Kroll; mother, Antoinette Caputo, nee Albanese; sister, Cindy Caputo; and brother, Jerry (Kathy) Kroll.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Thursday, May 7th from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Friday, May 8th , 9:00 AM from the funeral home to Immaculate Conception Church, Elmhurst, IL, for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery with luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ken's memory to Mercury One, P.O Box 121925, Dallas, TX 75312.

Ken will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, his years of public service, his generous spirit, and his ability to make others feel welcomed and cared for. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the family who loved him deeply. His life stands as a testament to commitment, community, and family—a lasting impact appreciated deeply by those fortunate enough to have shared in his journey.