Obituary of Kermit 'Tank' Ewell

Kermit “Tank” Ewell, 70, a longtime resident of Waukegan, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2022. He was born August 1, 1951. Kermit retired from UPS where he delivered packages on his route and was previously a Lake County Bus Driver. He served in the United States Navy Construction Battalion, the “Seabees”, at Midway Island in the latter years of the Vietnam War. Kermit was a member of the Gurnee American Legion #771 and the Zion Benton Moose Lodge #667. He was known as a kind and gentle soul; many have shared that “to have known him was to love him”. Kermit had a special love for bowling. He bowled throughout Lake County for over 55 years, and as a 20-year Board Member of the Lake County Bowling Association Board was named to the Lake County Bowling Hall of Fame in 2009. He was an avid sports fan of the Chicago Bears, Bulls, White Sox and the Marquette University Golden Eagles. He cherished the recognition of “Father of the Year” given to him by the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls. Kermit will be deeply missed by his wife Laura of 30 years and daughter Rachel (Kevin) Mesa. He had the deepest gratitude for his beloved friend Jon Brodzik who unselfishly donated a kidney as a gift of life which Kermit needed. Jon, Susie, Jenelle, and Timothy Brodzik were a blessing in his life. Kermit is also survived by his sister Edith Fields, as well as his in-laws; Lisa (Joe) Baum, Andrew (Deedee) Heaven, Michael (Cindy) Heaven, and Ralph (Jill) Heaven. His many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews fondly remember him. He was preceded in death by his parents Cora and John Ewell as well as his In-Laws Ralph and Helen Heaven. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 7, 2022, from 5-7 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 7 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60099. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Keep Swimming Foundation ( www.keepswimmingfoundation.org to see more on their important mission) or consider becoming a tissue or organ donor.