Ken Mels is going to be remembered for his big handshakes, his jovial laughter and questions about you, and for being glad to see you whenever you walk into his home or his church. His family is so proud and grateful to have enjoyed him for so many years.

Ken was born in Roseland on September 13, 1934 to Walter and Jane Mels. He was predeceased by his only sibling, Sherman. Ken went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 24, 2020 leaving behind his beloved wife of 6o years Marcia (Heerdt) Mels. He was the loving father of Scott (Debra), Susan (Rick) VanDyken, Sharon (Marc) Zuiderveen, and Sandy (Gordon) Geerdes. Ken was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

After more than 25 years as an Executive Engineer with General Motors Electro-Motive division in LaGrange, Ken transitioned to being an administrator for the Barnabas Foundation, an organization of the Christian Reformed Church.

Ken used his gifts in leadership serving on several boards for Christian ministries including Cottage Grove CRC and Orland Park CRC, Trinity Christian College, Southwest Chicago Christian Schools, Pass It On Thrift Store, Providence Life Services, Barnabas Foundation and the Christian Reformed Church.

Ken was best known for his welcoming handshake at Orland Park CRC both to visitors and members alike. He was an advocate and encourager of hospitality in the church and at home. We like to imagine that he is now at the doors of heaven welcoming people as they arrive.

Ken will be deeply missed by so many of the lives he’s impacted, and especially by his family and friends.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Trinity Christian College 6601 West College Drive Palos Heights, Illinois 60463

Visitation Thursday, August 6, 2020, 3-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. To uphold safety guidelines, all guests are asked to wear a mask and respect social distancing requirements.

A private Funeral Service for the family will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. While this service is limited to Ken's immediate family, a live-stream will be available. Please visit Ken's Obituary on Colonial Chapel's web-site at colonialchapel.com to view the video recording of the Funeral Service.

Burial Private at Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn, Illinois

Below is the video recording of Ken's Funeral Service which was held on August 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400