Kenneth R. Norgan, 82, Chicago businessman, educator and philanthropist passed away peacefully at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on June 9th, 2025, from complications of a pulmonary embolism.  Ken was born in Lincoln Park at Augustana Hospital on January 13, 1943 to George and Dagmar Norgan. He grew up in Lincolnwood, which he described as having nothing more than some houses, a nine-room schoolhouse and lots of prairie.

Ken's grandfather, George Sr., and father owned Norgan Pontiac on Irving Park Road in Chicago.  At age 16, Ken hoped for a new Pontiac Bonneville, but his family had recently sold the dealership. Over cocktails at their Loon Lake home, his parents agreed to invest in friend Ray Kroc's new business, just three years old at the time.  Rather than a new car, Ken made French fries and burgers at the family's first McDonald's restaurants in Glenview and Libertyville.  Stores #101 and #119 in the McDonald's system of over 50,000 stores.

Ken received his BA and MA in linguistics from the University of Michigan.  He studied and lived abroad in Germany, Switzerland and France where he met life-long friends. Ken taught German at Main South High School in Park Ridge until he returned to the family business in 1971.

Ken grew the business to 13 restaurants on Chicago's North Shore.  He took pride in providing generous healthcare coverage and college scholarships to his employees and their families. He loved reconnecting with people who worked for him as teenagers and went on to meaningful careers, such as Geoffrey Baer, who reintroduced himself to Ken at a WTTW fundraiser.  Baer had worked at Ken's Deerfield store.  Ever the philanthropist, Ken later agreed to sponsor Baer's program series at WTTW.

Ken was a founding member of Ronald McDonald House Charities.  In 2010, Ken co-chaired the campaign to build the 16 story, 80 room Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children's Hospital on Grand Avenue, which opened in 2012.

The grandson of immigrants, Ken maintained close ties to his Swedish family and heritage and tirelessly supported Chicago's Swedish community.  He was a trustee of the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville for 30 years.  Ken served on the foundation board of Swedish Covenant Hospital, now the Swedish Hospital.  He was a trustee of the Bernadotte Foundation for Children's Eyecare. In 1999, he hosted Prince Sigvard and Marianne Bernadotte in Chicago to raise money for the royal couple's foundation.

Ken was a board member and patron of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Ryan Opera Center and his beloved Harris Theater for Music and Dance, where he was the founding sponsor of the Beyond the Aria Series.

Ken was introduced to his dear partner of 28 years, Jose "Pepe" Conforme, through mutual friends in 1997.  Together, they traveled the world visiting friends and hosting fabulous parties at their home in Michigan.

Ken loved meeting people and took great interest in the small details that made life interesting.  He had a zest for life, loved a good cocktail and inspired many with his warmth, kindness and generous spirit.

Survivors include partner Pepe of Chicago, brother William Bruce and niece Sarah Jane both of Spokane, WA.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ken will be interred in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois. Services will be held privately.

Memorials may be made to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance , Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana , and the Swedish American Museum .

Arrangements entrusted to Peter B. Kennedy & Co., Funeral Directors. Info: 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.