Kenneth James Brainerd

Kenneth James Brainerd, 73 of Wheeling, formerly of Barrington, passed away peacefully in the arms of his loved ones on October 2, 2025 in Arlington Heights. He was born in April 1952 in Evanston, Illinois to Frank James & Dorothy Mae (nee Nelson) Brainerd.

Ken was a proud Army Veteran and lived life to the fullest.

He worked his entire career in the HVAC industry eventually becoming the Co-owner of Barrington Heating & Air Conditioning. He later specialized in CAD drafting for large buildings in Florida.

Ken is survived by his life partner, Linda Steinberg; children, Sarah Brainerd and Matthew (Shannon Mielas) Brainerd; grandchildren, Morrison, Cheyenne, and Presley Brainerd; siblings, Char (Greg) Cole, Vicki (Mike) Mangioni, and Diane (Marvin) Holdren, as well as many nieces and nephews and his best friends, Robert Hodgson and Andrew Neeleman.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Forever in our hearts.

“To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die”    - Thomas Campbell

Services will be held privately.