Glen Ekey Obituary

Glen A Ekey, age 79, a resident of Naperville, IL, passed away after a battle with cancer on October 23, 2020 at his home. He was born on July 12, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA.
Glen will lovingly be remembered by his wife Marilyn (nee Linsenmann) Ekey; son David (Jenifer) Ekey; daughter Tricia (Don) Mueller; brother Rick (Carol) Ekey; brother in law Robert Gann; grandchildren Melissa Ekey, Jackson Ekey, Madelyn Mueller and Molly Mueller. He will also be fondly remembered as Uncle Glen to many, including nieces and nephews and their families; Kristie and Scott Maiers, Beth Moomaw, Steve and Rose Gann, Debi and Jeff Coppola and friends that became family. Glen was preceded in death by his parents and his sister in law Katharine Gann.
Glen served as executive director of the Naperville Park District from September 1981 through December 1996. Under his guidance the Naperville Parks flourished including the addition of Naperbrook Golf Course. In 2013, the Naperville Park District honored the former executive director by dedicating the Glen Ekey Driving Range at Naperbrook Golf Course. In 1986, he brought the idea of Ribfest to the Exchange Club of Naperville. This cooperative effort earned the title of "Best Fest in the Midwest" for many consecutive years, and helped countless children who were victims of child abuse.
Over the years, he established and nurtured relationships with the local school districts, the City of Naperville, The YMCA and countless others. These relationships allowed opportunities to uniquely share gymnasium construction costs and usage with school districts 203 and 204. This cooperative gym concept became a model for other school districts and park districts across the country.
Glen met the love of his life, Marilyn Linsenmann, on a blind date while attending MSU. They were married on August 23,1964 in Midland, Michigan. The two enjoyed a loving marriage for 56 years and in that time they raised a wonderful family.
Glen and Marilyn were an active couple who enjoyed their many friends and family. Glen was an avid skier, spending many years serving in the National Ski Patrol,and he never passed on a chance to play a round of golf with friends. He and Marilyn enjoyed travelling and seeing new places with both family and friends. During retirement they split their time between Naperville and Surprise, Arizona where they loved to entertain and host family and friends. However, Glen also loved Northern Michigan. He and Marilyn vacationed with their children and later grandchildren at their cottage in Mesick. When Glen was given notice of his terminal cancer, one of his final wishes was to spend one more weekend "up north" with his family and friends. God granted him that wish in one spectacular August weekend with picture perfect weather.
He lived what he preached – that recreation was good for the mind and body. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed tothe Naperville Park District Fee Assistance Program, the Naperville Education Foundation Kid Boosters Anonymous Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.
All are invited to a Memorial Visitation that will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 4:00 until 8:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. Current CDC guidelines require that less than 25 guests be in our building at any given time. Please maintain social distance and wear masks for the health and safety of all guests. A private Memorial Service will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, Naperville. Online viewing information will be coming.