Isaac David Kornhauser

Isaac Kornhauser was still for the first time in his life on March 27th at age 64. He passed away at his home in Cary, Illinois in the very spot where his family had enjoyed his fantastic home cooked meals each night for the better part of three decades after singing the family prayer, “We are Family.”

He will be remembered in every campfire and perfectly roasted marshmallow, in every familiar bass line, and every hawk catching thermals high into the sky. We will think of him when we see the Wasatch Mountains, red rock canyons, and cats under the stars.

When we remember of him it will be in his signature Vuarnet sunglasses laughing on the phone with a good friend, at the dog park, or at his jewelry bench where he spent so much of his time creating pieces for his businesses, IK Design and The Golden Orchid.

Isaac Kornhauser was a perfect telemark turn, a fajita dinner, a Westfalia van. He was the first hit of a good joint at a music festival, a road trip on shakedown street, the post apocalyptic book you just can’t put down. He was the perfect cast on a fly rod, and the first bite of a broasted chicken you went out of your way to find.

Isaac’s legacy lives on in the passion he had for his work, his unwavering love and support for his family, and his appreciation for the natural world. His family and friends are a reflection of his values and the way in which he approached his very full life.

Isaac was preceded in death by his father, Armando, and his mother, Aida. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Ellen, his two children, Kailey and Kara who embody so much of their fathers’ passions in life, their partners Eric and Moe respectively, his sisters Sarita and Lily, and his beloved akita, Hope.

As he always used to say “It is what it is.”

And it was great.

A memorial gathering for Isaac will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 3 PM until 6 Pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake.