Kenneth Charles Mundy, a 1964 graduate of Sycamore High School, dedicated his life to the service of his country, his community, and his fellow citizens with over 48 years of public service. Ken’s service to others started with his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1966 at the height of the Vietnam conflict. Following his Honorable Discharge in 1970, Ken returned to Sycamore where he raised a family and remained until his untimely death in 2019.
While working full time, Ken was able to obtain his Associate’s Degree (Business, Kishwaukee College, 1972) and Bachelor of Science (Finance, Northern Illinois University, 1974). As busy as he was, Ken nonetheless found time to serve his community, starting in 1972 as a Board Member on the Sycamore Public Library and continuing uninterrupted in multiple volunteer and elected positions until his retirement in 2017. Ken was elected Sycamore City Treasurer in 1981 and continued there until 2005 when he was elected Mayor, a position he held until his retirement.
In addition to his public service, Ken served the community as an active member of his church and multiple professional, fraternal, and civic organizations. A 36-year member of the Illinois Municipal Treasurers’ Association, Ken served on multiple committees, the Board of Directors, and as President, 1993-94. Ken was a lifetime member in the North Grove School Association, Sycamore Spartans Sports Boosters, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Viet Now, Gideon’s International Ministry, and Christian Senior Ministry. Ken was a 30-plus year member and Distinguished Past President of Sycamore Kiwanis Club, member of St. John Lutheran Church since 1948, past member of Sycamore Chamber Ambassador Club, Kishwaukee College Alumni Association, NIU Alumni Association, DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, Sycamore Economic Development Commission, and multi-gallon blood donor.
Among his many awards, Ken received the Kishwaukee College Alumni Association Outstanding Service Award, the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award, the Clifford Danielson Outstanding Citizen Award, the Kiwanis Hixon Award and Zeller Award, and an Illinois House of Representatives Certificate of Recognition for Public Service, the Volunteer Action Center Service Award, and an Honorary Doctorate from the Sycamore Community School District. Sycamore was more than just home for Ken and his wife Juanita, it was a way of life.
- 2020