Ronald Bruno Kurek

Ronald Bruno Kurek, 78, of Algonquin, IL passed away on Thursday November 16, 2023.

Ronald B. Kurek was born the oldest of two children to Jeanette and Bruno Kurek in Chicago, IL on September 30, 1945.  He enlisted in the United States Army to serve his county after graduating high school. Upon his return from serving his country he started his career path at a local steel factory at A. Finkl & Sons. As he worked he enjoyed collecting strange and unusual items with his late wife Anita. They had their personal collection in their home and on display in a number of little antique stores in downtown St. Charles, IL.

In the mid 1970’s Ronald met Anita Gale at the Mint Julip and that is where their journey began. They married on May 4, 1974 surrounded by family and friends. In 1976 they started their family with welcoming their son Scott followed by their daughter’s arrival 11 months later in 1977.

In 1994 Ronald retired and spent his time focusing on what him and his late wife enjoyed; collecting. They decided to take their collection from their home into a storefront in downtown St. Charles, IL. Their collection was unique and unusual to say the least; consisting of; but not limited to: pinball games, video games, jukeboxes, antique collectibles, neon signs, advertising signs, country store items, and breweriana. Not only did they have their business; but they also guided other individuals in building their collections. Both Ronald and Anita were curators for the Pollack Museum located in Mesa, AZ and supported in the decorating styles of the local Northwest Suburbs of the Portillo’s Restaurants in the 1980’s. After the passing of Ronald’s wife in 2001 he continued his collection; but shifted to other unique advertising and collectibles which landed him on an episode with American Pickers on May 26, 20220.

Ronald was predeceased by Bruno and Jeannette Kurek. He is survived by his daughter Vaydra Marshall (Joshua Marshall), son Scott Kurek (Meresa Kurek), grandchildren Anna, Henry, Kylah, Aiden, and Ryker, and brother Robert Kurek (Patricia Kurek).

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 10:00 AM until time of an 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church 111 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin. Military Honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Army.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization Ronald felt very strongly about.

 Willow Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Algonquin is assisting the family with all arrangements.

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