Ken Martin, 74, of Sterling, Illinois, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026. Ken was born on December 3, 1951, in Christopher, Illinois, to Doris Martin. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country from 1969 to 1972.

   Ken moved to Chicago with his family when he was in grade school. He often talked about riding his bike with his best friend, Larry Kistler, to various odd jobs, sometimes up to 25 miles away. This is when his strong work ethic began. Following his military service, Ken married the love of his life, Jane Krummel, on March 16, 1974. Ken was Jane’s soulmate and best friend throughout their marriage. He began his career with Skyline Moving Company in Monee, Illinois, where he learned to drive a truck and formed many lifelong friendships. Determined to continue his education, Ken earned his GED and took college classes in transportation and warehousing. He went on to work as a warehouse manager in the paint and welding industries, where he discovered a passion for inventory management. After battling cancer, he returned to truck driving and continued working until his retirement in 2016.

   When Ken wasn't working, he enjoyed four-wheeling, camping, reading, tackling new projects, playing pool and playing Risk with family and friends. He cherished attending his grandson's activities and spending time with those he loved. Ken took tremendous pride in his family, especially his grandson, Mitchell. He was passionate about anything Mitchell pursued and rarely missed an opportunity to support him at his band performances. One of Ken's greatest joys was living long enough to see Mitchell earn the rank of Eagle Scout and successfully complete a recent Philmont Trek, milestones that filled him with immense pride.

   Ken was a devoted father who always wanted the best for his son. He made countless sacrifices to provide opportunities and experiences that helped shape the husband and father Gus became.

   Throughout his life, Ken was dedicated to serving others. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion, and the Marine Corps League. He was a 10-Gallon Blood Donor with the American Red Cross, helped organize Bike-A-Thons benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

   Ken is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Jane Martin; his son, Gus (Jeanna) Martin; his grandson, Mitchell Martin; his “Adopted” grandchildren Ella, Ava and Issac McFalls; his siblings: Linda Martin, Judy (Jerry) Brown, Lee (Pat) Martin, Ann Janik, Roy Martin, Cathy Green, Terry (Barbara) Martin, John (Erin) Martin, and Michael (Stacy) Martin. And many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

   He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Marie Stearns; his mother, Doris Martin; his brother, Don Martin; his sister in-law Virginia Martin and his brothers-in-law, Danny Green and Frank Janik.

   A visitation and funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with funeral services officiated by Father Charles Warren of St. Mary's immediately following. Burial will take place at Prairie Repose Cemetery in Amboy, Illinois.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Sterling American Legion Post 296 or Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, Illinois.

   Ken will be remembered for his unwavering honesty, strong character, generous spirit, and wonderful sense of humor. He lived a life of service to his family, community, and country, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com