Kenneth L. Unger

Kenneth L. Unger, 80, of Galesburg, died at 9:50 a.m. Friday, September 09, 2011 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. Ken was born on July 11, 1931 in Knoxville, the son of Lee and Eula (Richardson) Unger.  He married Margaret Kirscht on September 6, 1952 at St. Peters Church in Skokie, IL.  Ken is survived by his wife Margaret of Galesburg;  two sons, Tom (Wendy) of Peru and James (Karrie) of Washington; 3 daughters, Carol (Jim) Blevins of Pleasant View, AR, Diane (Greg) Milani of Oswego, and Elizabeth (John) Stein, of Hephzibah, GA; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a brother, Willis Unger of Arkansas; three sisters, Jean Kunicich of California, Dorothy Henry and Jeri Godsil both of Galesburg.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Edwin; and two sisters, Josephine Wegener and Betty Lasker. Ken served in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955 aboard the USS Ashlund.  While serving aboard the Ashlund he sailed into the Artic Circle.  After he was discharged he was very active in putting together ship reunions.  After the USS Ashlund was decommissioned, he was instrumental in getting the ship’s bell placed in Ashlund, NC.   Ken worked as an electrician for the city of Galesburg eventually becoming an electrical inspector for the city.  He then joined the IBEW local 34 as an union electrician, and worked for numerous contractors in the Galesburg, Monmouth, and Peoria areas.  He retired in 1993.  Ken was very active in the Father J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council as a 3rd and 4th Degree Knight.  He was a past grand knight and served as district deputy.  He was awarded Knight of the Year.  Ken was active and instrumental in raising funds and constructing the new Knights of Columbus Hall on Fremont St.  He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  A funeral mass for Ken will be 10 a.m. Tuesday September 13, 2011 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  Visitation will be Monday September 12, 2011 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, with the rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m.  Memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus or to the residence fund at Seminary Manor.