Obituary

Kenneth I. Smithson, 89, beloved husband and best friend of Edie nee Wolper for 64 wonderful years; loving father of Fred (Beth) Smithson, Mark (Heidi) Smithson and Sharon Smithson (Brian Ruby); cherished grandpa of Gabrielle Smithson (Dr. James Collins, fiancé), Mollie, Brandon, Stephanie and Brittany Smithson and Josh Chick; devoted son of the late Esther and Samuel Smithson; dear brother of the late Bonnie (the late Stanley) Samuels and the late Barbara (the late Norm) Rudenberg; treasured uncle, cousin, and friend of many. Ken was a former commodities trader at the Chicago Board of Trade. He was a member of the GVS Club and a 25-year participant in the Volunteers for Israel program. He loved golfing, going out for dinner, and socializing with family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Congregation Beth Shalom at www.bethshalomnb.org. Chapel service Tuesday 12:15 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For the link to virtually view the service, shiva information, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org and 847.255.3520.

Service Information

Service : Tuesday, April 29th at 12:15 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Guest Book & Memories

Share your memories and photographs below.

May 17th, 2025

Many rounds of golf at Glenegles Country Club will be remembered by me and fellow golfers. Ken was a true gentleman.

~Walter Booth
~Golf partner and friend, North Reading, Massachusetts

May 3rd, 2025

I have known Ken and Edie since their earliest days of doing VFI/Sar-El programs. You can’t mention one without the other. Ken and Edie; Edie and Ken. I consider them more than just volunteers–they are dear friends. I looked forward to their yearly trips to Israel to do the programs. On the weekends, we would meet at the Gordon beach, stroll the boardwalk, watch the dancing and share meals together. Ken will be missed by me and all his dear friends. Edie–I send all my love to you and to all your family. May Ken’s blessing be a memory.

~Pamela Lazarus
~Friend, Tel Aviv

April 28th, 2025

He was a great friend and my wife Carolyn and I will miss him very much. I just finished my 1st trading day at the CBOT Some trader nearby said he had a bad day trading and was going to not turn in his trading cards. I walked over and said “can you do that’? Of course that was illegal but that was when we met for the first time. This was in 1978

~Donald Sherman
~Long time friend, glenview

April 27th, 2025

Remembering our fun times in Florida. My sincere condolences. You were great friends.

Beverly Bloom

~Beverly Bloom
~Friend, Wilmette

April 27th, 2025

Our friendship dates back to the early years of our childhood on the West side of Chicago. Our families lived in the same apartment building on Independence Blvd. We continued our friendship over many decades, including lunches, dinners, golfing and other activities.
Kenny was always a good and dear friend. He will be greatly missed.

~Irwin Fischman
~Friend, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Guest Book and Memories











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