Theodore Arthur Cowen III "Ted", age 78, of Glenview, IL

Beloved husband of the late Lynn, nee Harvalis; Loving father of Todd (Laura) and Angelynn (Nicolas) Kitzerow; much loved grandfather of Emily and Ryan Cowen, and Sawyer, Catherine and Josephine Kitzerow.

Cherished son of Laurie Cowen and the late Theodore Cowen II; devoted brother of Marsha (the late Roger) Hosfeld, Tony (Julie), Marty (Traci), and the late Larry and Peter (Chris); fond brother-in-law of Fran Harvalis, Dean (Pat) Harvalis, and Connie (Dave) Pawlowski; dear cousin, uncle and friend to many.

Ted was born July 13, 1947, as the beloved first child to Ted and Laurie (nee Gould). Ted attended Northern Illinois University where he met the love of his life, Lynn Harvalis, in August 1968. The two were engaged to be married before Ted reported to the U.S. Army for basic training, and were married on March 27, 1969, prior to his deployment to Vietnam the following month. The two were reunited in Hawaii later that year where they lived for several years, welcomed their son, Todd, and Ted graduated from University of Hawaii.

Ted and Lynn moved back to the Chicago area and settled in Downers Grove where they welcomed their daughter Angie in 1979. The couple later moved to Libertyville, IL to what they considered their dream house that both adored.

Ted worked for W.W. Grainger for 26 years in various IT positions. Ted loved his time at Grainger, working on large IT projects to support the company's rapid growth across the country, but most of all Ted loved his colleagues and the camaraderie of working on the IT team. Ted often reflected on the great joy he derived working with his team, always highlighting the best part was managing individuals and watching their careers grow.

After retiring from Grainger Ted focused his energy on traveling with Lynn, enjoying their home, hosting friends and family at pool parties, and spending time with their Airedale terriers. During Lynn's long battle with cancer Ted was nothing short of amazing, caring for Lynn while making sure they both enjoyed their families, especially their grandchildren.

After Lynn passed away in 2012 Ted moved to Glenview to devote more time to his grandchildren and family. Ted loved to cheer them on in their games, attend Blackhawks games, and to travel to California and Oregon to see Angie and spend time with her children.

Ted lived a full and wonderful life filled with family and friends. He loved reflecting on his life and particularly on his love story with Lynn, always pointing out how lucky he was to share his life with his 'beautiful girl'. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation at Simkins Funeral Home 6251 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053 on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 1775 Grove St, Glenview, IL 60025 for a funeral mass on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Internment will be held privately at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sister Paulanne's Needy Family Fund, c/o Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 1775 Grove St, Glenview, IL 60025. (847) 965-2500

Sr. Paulanne's Needy Family Fund
1775 Grove St., Glenview IL 60025