Kenneth Godfrey Dry, 86, of Elmhurst passed away peacefully Feb. 14, 2024.
Ken was born in 1937 in Harrisburg, Penn., to Kenneth W. Dry and Ruth E. (Godrey) Dry. He graduated from West Shore Point High School before attending Southern Illinois University 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, 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 Co., 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 and 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.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonlyn Dry.
He is survived by his two daughters, Angela (Kenneth) Crews and Deanna (Michael) Labedz, both of Hinsdale; his grandchildren, Grant, Madison, Jack and Erin; and his siblings, Suzanne Creamer and Stephen Dry.
Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 26, at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road.
A memorial service will follow at the church at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope for Home at http://www.hopetohomesc.org/donation.
Brian Powell Funeral Directors of Hinsdale handled the arrangements.
