Ken Foszcz, 75, beloved Husband, Father, and Dzia Dzia passed peacefully at his longtime home in Richmond, after a very short, fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. He spent his final days with his dearest wife, Mary, forever and always by his side, and surrounded by family, sharing stories with loud laughter and love.

Ken was born in Chicago, along with his twin brother, Roger, to Mitchell and Frances (Kiss) Foszcz on July 28th, 1949. A graduate of Grant High School, he went on to Purdue University on a wrestling scholarship, graduating with a degree in Forestry. Years later, Ken obtained another degree in Fire Science. He was blessed to meet Mary in 1977 and they wed in 1980.

A life of logging, carpentry, ski patrolling, firefighting and fire investigation proved his hard work, dedication and commitment to others was endless. Ken spent his early career as a carpenter, mostly as Foreman, and alongside the love of his life, built their family home. Inspired by his wife Mary's work as a first responder, Ken volunteered with the Richmond Township Fire Protection District starting in 1996. He was appointed Fire Chief there, serving from 2001-2003, until taking his knowledge to The Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District. From 2003 to 2012, he served as Deputy Fire Marshall for the Round Lake area. Ken's passion for helping others continued with the Town of Randall Volunteer Fire Department starting in 2007 and he served an accomplished 15 year, including four years as Fire Chief. He also taught 18 years of Fire Science at McHenry County College and IFSI. His many achievements, department memberships, years as Chief and his development of the Kenosha County Fire Investigation Task Force has left an unwavering impact on many surrounding communities. His selfless care for all, devotion to training and kind smile are remembered fondly by those who worked alongside him and all who were blessed to cross his path.

An avid hiker, camper, fisherman, rock climber, spelunker, and the best primitive fire starter, Ken loved the outdoors. As one of the largest collectors of Smokey Bear memorabilia, he would want everyone to remember "Only you can prevent forest fires". Ken volunteered with the McHenry County Conservation District and shared his skills with many at Newport State Park, in Door County, WI. A walk with Ken through the woods was often filled with identifying trees or foraging for medicinal plants. Through the short months of his illness, he continued to educate himself with online videos of bushcraft, survivalist, fishing and more. He embraced every adventure and fought hard for more time to share a smile and work diligently at everything he put his mind to.

Ken cherished time with family and often got too rambunctious with his dear grandchildren through pillow fights and wrestling. Ken was known to belt out random (frequently incorrect) song lyrics and would prepare delicious meals from whatever he could find. He was a professional napper, who could take a snooze in any place or situation. Each morning was greeted with a hand sign of "I Love You" and no matter who was leaving the house, he would send them off with a truly caring "Be Careful". As a man who embodied the compassion and generosity of Jesus, Ken was a member of LifeSpring Community Church and through his unwavering faith rests in the eternal love promised to all believers.

He is survived by his wonderful wife of 44 years, Mary (Walczynski), 5 children, Rachel (Jim) Prickett, Jason (Shawnie), Ryan (Jillian), Jeremy (Eileen), and Janelle, 14 Grandchildren, Valerie, Emily, Carly, Brittany (Rachel), Austin, Anna (Jason), Savannah, Lucas, Scarlett, Sienna, Sterling, Lennox (Ryan), Lydia, and Erica (Jeremy). He is also survived by his siblings, twin brother and mischief partner, Roger (late Vicki), Russell (Sara), Judy Mae, Jeffrey (Ursula), Darlene Peterson and many other loving extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Foszcz.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of strength, faith, dedication, and joy in all who knew him.

Na Zdrowie.

Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 24th, 3-8pm at Haase-Lockwood Funeral Home in Twin Lakes, WI.  Funeral services will be Monday, Nov. 25th beginning at Haase-Lockwood, a visitation from 930-1030am followed by a procession to LifeSpring Community Church 1154 Rte 173 Spring Grove, IL, for an 11am service. Interment will be private.

A Celebration of Life will also be held Friday, Nov. 29th, 4-8pm at the Johnsburg Community Club 2315 Church St.  Johnsburg, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name would be greatly appreciated to:

Swiss Family Robinson Adventure Playground, an intergenerational, all-inclusive playscape being developed by PtG Community Center, 501(c)(3), in Spring Grove, IL.

https://donate.stripe.com/aEUbKY2k5dTX1FK000

PtG Community Center

1154 Rte 173, Box 2

Spring Grove, IL 60081

Or

Town of Randall Volunteer Fire Department in Randall, WI. 34530 Bassett Rd. Bassett, WI.