Kenneth Sylvester Hobbs, II
September 14, 1944 - April 27, 2024
Obituary
LIVESTREAM SERVICE:
Kenneth's Livestream Mass will begin at 9:45 a.m. CT on Friday, May 3, 2024. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”
VERNON HILLS, Ill. - Dr. Kenneth Sylvester “Ken” Hobbs II, age 79, of Vernon Hills, Ill., and formerly of Lake Mills, Wis., passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024. He was born on Sept. 14, 1944, in Connellsville, Pa., the son of Kenneth and Fay (Mayo) Hobbs.
In a life dedicated to service for people with disabilities, Ken was a leader in the fields of education and advocacy. His friends and family will remember an intelligent man who was pure of heart and close to the Lord. Ken was a devoted husband to his first wife Delores and his second wife Shirley Jean. He was a committed brother, son, uncle, father and grandfather.
Ken graduated from Marshall University (bachelor’s in teaching special education), the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater (master’s in special education) and the University of Wisconsin - Madison (doctorate in Education). From 1966 until 2000, he enjoyed a career as a teacher and an administrator in Wisconsin public-schools. Following his retirement, Ken was, for many years, Executive Director of ARC Dane County-an advocacy organization for people with disabilities and special needs.
In his free time, Ken enjoyed golfing, morning mediational walks and hunting. He was an avid reader of both the Bible and fictional works.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Shirley Jean Slater; son, Sean Hobbs; step-daughter, Suzanne (Chad) Wakefield; step-son, Robert Slater; grandson, Jacob; granddaughters, Rachel and Audrey; brother, Jeffrey (Robin) Hobbs; sister, Mercedes (Robin) Hobbs-Hodges; sister-in-law, Annabel Hobbs; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Delores O. Hobbs; and his brother, Bryan A. Hobbs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024, with the Rev. Michael Resop presiding. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit Kenneth's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the 9:45 a.m. CT and click on Watch Now in the Webcast section. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, and also at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday.
Memorials may be made in Ken’s name to Suncrest Hospice and ARC Dane County. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420