Kenneth Alan Schlichter, 82, of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, passed away on May 10, 2026 in Sturgeon Bay.

He was born on New Year's Eve in 1943 in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the son of Edmond Schlichter and Dorothy (Parker) Schlichter. Ken graduated from Lunenburg High School in Lunenburg, MA in the class of 1962. He went on to study history and education at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, earning his Bachelor's degree in 1967.

While at MacMurray College, Ken met Virginia "Ginny" Hallock. They were married in 1968 in Alton, IL, shortly after moving there as Ken began his first teaching job. Ken taught in Alton for five years while also earning his Master's degree in history at Southern Illinois University. In 1972, Ken and Ginny welcomed their first daughter, Erika. In 1973, they moved to DeKalb, IL, where Ken began a doctoral degree program at Northern Illinois University.

In 1974, Ken and his family moved to Highland Park, IL, and Ken began a long and distinguished teaching career in Glencoe School District 35 in Glencoe, IL. Shortly after this move, Ken and Ginny welcomed their second daughter, Katie, in 1976. Ken taught social studies in Glencoe for 29 years, retiring from teaching in 2003.

Ken loved learning and brought this love to his students. His joy was connecting with students, especially those in need, and encouraging them to pursue ambitious goals for their futures. Ken also established a successful tutoring business, Ravinia Educational Services, and continued to support students for 13 years after his retirement from teaching. Over the course of his 42 years teaching and tutoring students on Chicago's North Shore, his impact was broad and deep. He helped his students learn about the world around them, excel in their academic pursuits, achieve their goals, prepare for college, and grow into confident, thoughtful, and purposeful young adults.

Ken and Ginny first planted roots in Door County, Wisconsin, in 1991, when they purchased a small house in Egg Harbor and became seasonal residents. Over the years, they shared many special times there with their daughters, eventually expanding the house into a beloved home for their retirement years and a treasured gathering place with their children and grandchildren. They became full-time residents in 2018.

Ken was endlessly interested in everything, curious and engaged in all aspects of the world around him. He was an avid daily reader and enjoyed all genres, including mysteries and historical fiction, along with biographies, history, and politics. In addition, he was a daily consumer of news and current events. Ken loved music, especially classic rock. It was a constant soundtrack in his life, and he always knew all the lyrics.

In addition to his love of teaching and learning, Ken was a true athlete and outdoorsman. He spent many happy hours hunting, fishing and boating with family and friends. Growing up, Ken enjoyed many sports, playing baseball, basketball, and football in high school, and continuing his baseball career in college. At age 42, he took up running and approached this with the same focus, discipline and determination that he brought to everything he did. He set ambitious goals, eventually completing marathons in New York, Chicago, Milwaukee and Boston.

Most of all, Ken will be remembered for his devotion to his family. He loved being a dad, and taught his daughters that they were strong and capable of anything. He was funny, quick with a joke, and kept his family and friends laughing! His greatest joy in later years was being "Pop" to his grandsons. He loved cheering them on at hockey and track events, sharing hunting and fishing adventures, rooting for the Boston Bruins, and laughing together with the unmistakable sense of humor they all shared.

Ken will be greatly missed by his wife, Ginny; daughters, Erika (Mark Mannebach) Schlichter of DeKalb, IL and Kathryn "Katie" (David) Naftzger of Highland Park, IL; grandsons, Samuel and Joseph Naftzger; brother, Martin "Bo" (Phyllis) Schlichter of Manchester, NH; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as siblings, Elizabeth (Harold "Pete") Petterson and Gary (Jane) Schlichter.

Ken will be honored with a celebration of life on July 18, 2026, from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the Highland Park Community House in Highland Park, IL (1991 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL 60035). A program of remembrance will begin at 1:30 pm. All friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating Ken's life.

Memorials may be given in Ken's name to the Door County Food Pantry Coalition:

https://doorcountycommunityfoundation.org/ifpcoop

Arrangements have been entrusted to Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Ken may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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