Kenneth G Dry

Kenneth Godfrey Dry, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024.  He was the beloved husband of the late Bonlyn Dry, devoted father of Angela (Kenneth) Crews and Deanna (Michael) Labedz, and cherished grandfather of Grant, Madison, Jack and Erin. Ken also was the dear brother of Suzanne Creamer and Stephen Dry. 

Ken was born on February 22, 1937, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to Kenneth W. Dry and Ruth E. (Godrey) Dry. He graduated from West Shore Point High School before attending Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He was very active on campus as a member of Delta Chi fraternity and the Student Union Council, and he served as Student Union President. 

During his time at SIU, Ken met his lifelong love Bonlyn. They married on June 15, 1963, and settled in Burr Ridge, Illinois, where they raised their two daughters. Ken taught biology and coached tennis at Argo Community High School until 1975 when he made a career change and joined his father in the family business, The Kendry Company, a promotional products and incentives distributorship.  

Ken proudly served in the Army National Guard for six years. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he attended Christ Church of Oak Brook where he served in several volunteer roles including Church Elder. He enjoyed bridge, theater, travel, entertaining friends and family, and had a lifelong passion for tennis.

After retiring, Ken and Bonlyn moved to Park Place of Elmhurst, where they made many new friends and were involved in various activities. Ken discovered a love for singing and often entertained friends with classic Sinatra songs and Christian hymns. He also was well known for making “Goodwill Cheesecake,” which he shared generously with fellow residents.

Ken will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope for Home at https://hopetohomesc.org/donation/. Hope to Home is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, co-founded by Ken and Bonlyn's dear friends, Tom and Tina Young.  Hope for Home delivers essential home furnishings to displaced or homeless individuals and families who secure housing in the Charleston, South Carolina area. 

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Rd, Oak Brook, IL 60523.

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