Ken Youngquist

Age 61 of Wilmington, formerly of Diamond, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at AMITA St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born September 15, 1960 in Lombard, Kenneth Allen is a son of Dolores (nee Rinehart) and the late Robert Youngquist. He was raised and educated in Joliet and graduated from Joliet West High School with the Class of 1978. On May 5, 1979 Ken married Carla Colognesi, and together they lived and raised their family in Diamond.

He spent his career working in food service, managing Browns Chicken in Joliet and then later running several Wendy's restaurant locations in the Joliet area. Ken was employed by Milano Bakery in Joliet for 15 years as a delivery driver until he retired in 2015. He enjoyed poker tournaments, bass fishing, and loved all dogs, especially his Dobermans and his grand-dogs.

Family was the center of Ken’s universe. He lived for his wife and devoted himself to being the best husband possible. Ken truly enjoyed being a “girl dad” and he was his daughters’ biggest fan and supporter in all of their endeavors. He loved to cook, always making sure that meals were ready for the entire family. Ken was always there to help anyone that was in need, expecting nothing in return. He was an independent, proud man, but was also kind and caring, never leaving a negative impression with anyone he met. Ken made his life about doting on his wife and daughters, and was truly their Superman.

Survivors include his mother, Dolores Youngquist, and his wife of 42 years, Carla Youngquist, both of Wilmington; two daughters: Alyssa (Chris) Lambert of Minooka and Jill Youngquist (Leighton Kraft) of Springfield; four grandchildren: the triplets, Bennett, Emma, and Elliot, and Sophia; two brothers: John (Dawn) Youngquist of Wilmington and Jim (Jan) Youngquist of Lincoln, Illinois; his brother-in-law, Tony Colognesi, sister-in-law, Juli Colognesi, and mother-in-law, Jenny Colognesi, all of Coal City; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and close friends, Chris and Beth Garcia.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Bob Youngquist, and his father-in-law, Rudy Colognesi.

Per his wishes, cremation rites are being accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow at 7:00 p.m.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ken’s memory to the American Heart Association.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook, upload photographs, and share Ken’s memorial page through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington (815) 476-2181.