Kenneth M. Vande Velde

MAZON, Ill. Kenneth M. Vande Velde, 45, died Friday, June 2, 2017, doing what he loved while pushing the limits of his Yamaha YZ450F at Joliet Motorsport Race Track when he suffered a heart attack as the result of an undiagnosed heart condition.

He was born in Dunkirk in 1971 and was a 1989 graduate of Fredonia High School. He was a longtime Morris and Mazon, Ill., resident. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and was employed by Exelon Nuclear Dresden Power Station for over 20 years. Ken loved motorcycles, street bikes, and dirt bikes. He especially enjoyed the hours that he and Ryan would spend riding together. Most of all, Ken was a family man who loved his wife and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but nothing was as special as the time that he and Samantha spent together playing ball, swimming, and just loving life.

Survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jennifer (nee Kowalczyk) Vande Velde of Mazon; three daughters, Samantha Vande Velde, Brittany Crowley and Heather Cartwright; one son, Ryan Crowley; one grandson, Mason; his parents, Fred and Alice Vande Velde of Florida; one brother, Robert (Jennifer) Vande Velde of East Amherst, N.Y.; one sister, Christine Vande Velde of North Carolina; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

The Fred C. Dames Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials in his name may be made to a favorite charity. For information, please call 8159425040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.