Palatine woman found dead in Will County

An 88-year-old Palatine woman who dedicated her life to raising a family and volunteering was found dead Sunday outside her car in Southwest suburban Wilmington.

Norma Kienker apparently drove into a ditch off Boathouse Road at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, authorities said.

She was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m. about 2.25 miles north of River Road, the Will County Coroner’s Office said. Her body was found laying beside the driver’s side door.

An autopsy was inconclusive, but Coroner Patrick O’Neil said no signs of foul play were detected.

“She was a senior citizen who had some medical issues, and we’re taking into consideration that hypothermia, or cold exposure, may have played a role,” O’Neil said.

The final cause and manner of death is pending the outcome of toxicology reports and investigation by Illinois State Police.

According to her obituary, Kienker celebrated her 65th wedding anniversary to Kenneth Kienker shortly before he died in August 2011.

Born in Fayette, Mo., Kienker was a homemaker and volunteer for most of her adult life. She was active in the First United Methodist Church of Palatine and belonged to the Young at Heart Group and the Ruth Circle. Kienker also taught 2-year-olds in Sunday school for nearly 50 years.

She is survived by two daughters and a son, and preceded in death by her late husband and two sons.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the First United Methodist Church of Palatine, 123 N. Plum Grove Road, Palatine. Interment will be private.