Prem Lalsing Ajwani

Prem Ajwani passed away peacefully at home in Lake Zurich, IL. on November 30, 2022, with his family by his side. Born on December 6, 1939, in Karachi, India (now Pakistan), son of the late Lalsingh and Saraswati (nee Wadhwani) Ajwani. He was one of nine children.

Prem is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Emily; daughter Monica (Michael) Kellen, son Michael (Linda) Ajwani and grandchildren, Mia and Charlie.

After the partition in 1947, Prem’s family moved to various cities in northern India. In 1953, the family moved to Bombay where he went to high school. Prem was known for being very scholarly and academic. He attended Kishincand Chellaram College and then Poona Engineering College to study Mechanical Engineering. He graduated in 1961 in First Class. He began his career as an engineer in Bombay before being accepted at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL. and received a Tata Scholarship for studying abroad. He graduated in January 1964 with a M.S.M.E. degree. Later, he received his MBA from Northwestern University in 1972.

He began his career at International Harvester in Melrose Park in November 1963, then transferred to the Frank G. Hough Co in Libertyville, IL and rose to Chief Engineer in charge of designing large earth moving equipment.

He met his sweetheart Emily while ice skating with friends and they married in June 1967. They resided in Chicago before buying their first home and moving to Lake Zurich, IL.

Prem owned and operated two small businesses in Lake Zurich, IL. between 1989-1995 then returned to work as a Project Engineer at various companies until he retired from the Quakenbush Company in Crystal Lake, IL.

Prem and Emily loved taking cruises together and travelled extensively all around the world. He was a long-time member of the Lake Zurich Lion’s Club. He also loved to cook for his grandkids! Prem had a great sense of humor and was known as a good friend to many. He will be profoundly missed.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service and Private Cremation Ceremony at Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, IL.