Henry Bert Kawell, 82, a resident of Wheaton since 1980, died on Monday, June 15 ^th at his home.  He succumbed to lung cancer after a long battle.  He was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

As a young man, Henry moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to attend college, and was also employed as a Life Guard at Lake Mead.  This began a long love for the beauty of the desert and the arid climate.  He also was an avid golfer, and enjoyed bringing his own family to Arizona, California and Las Vegas for vacations.

During his adult life, he began a long successful career in sales.  He worked for many years in the aviation industry,  and was employed with TWA for 18 years as an award winning Sales Executive.  He had traveled the world to introduce travel agents to cities and countries far and wide.  One of the most memorable tasks that he carried out was to travel to London to bring back a clock for the Atwood family, to be placed on exhibit at the Clock Tower Inn in Rockford, Illinois.

It was during his years working for the Airlines, that he met his wife, Mary (nee Groothuis).  She also worked for Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  They were married in 1959 until her death in 2003.  They bought their first house in Burnsville, Minnesota.  They had four children and moved to the Chicago area in 1967.

While Henry's children were in school he served for a time as a Cub Scout Pack Leader and also served as the Booster Club President for West High School in Rockford, Illinois.

In later years, Henry transitioned into the Real Estate field, working for a few large national title companies in a sales/management capacity.  He retired from Stewart Title Company.

He is survived by his children Kelly R. Kawell of Wheaton, Bradley R. (Cheryl) Kawell of Lake in the Hills, Alice M.(Darren) of Naperville, Matthew W. (Beth) Kawell of Gilberts; six grandchildren, of whom he is most proud, and enjoyed to the fullest, Casey and Natalie Kawell (Woodstock), Eric Lange (Nashville), Benjamin Lange (Schenectady), Samantha Kawell (Elgin) and Katelynn Kawell (Colorado Springs).  He is also survived by his brother Jeffrey Kawell, and his sister, Anna Sue Carlson.  He has many nieces and nephews and will be remembered for his great sense of fun and humor.

There is not a memorial service planned due to Covid 19.  If you would like to make a donation,  make one to a charity of your choice.