Ken was born in Berwyn, IL, on March 9, 1950, to Laddie and Evelyn (nee, Kyhas) Vetrovec. He married the former Janet Winkel in Racine on October 25, 1975.Ken spent the last five years as Executive Director of Gateway Technical College Foundation. He always chose career opportunities that involved fund raising, marketing or community relations.
Much of Ken’s life was spent giving back to the community through political service and volunteerism. Ken spent 12 years serving Racine as a County Board Supervisor, and was on many boards such as Health Care Network, Theatre Guild and the Racine Zoo. He was an active member of the West Racine Rotary Club for nearly 30 years and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by that organization. For many years he and his family cleaned a highway in the Adopt-A-Highway program.
He was a Boy Scout for over 50 years- starting as a Cub Scout, earning his Eagle Scout Award and continuing on through adulthood with a passion for running the Woodbadge course. He helped many young men earn their Citizenship merit badges. His love for Scouting took him to four National Jamborees. In 1991 he received the Silver Beaver Award and just this spring was honored to be recipient of the Racine Mayor’s Eagle Scout of Excellence Award.
Ken was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he spent several years as the Youth Director taking the youth to work camps each summer. As a result of these experiences he was instrumental in getting Group Work Camp to come to Racine to repair houses, an endeavor that still continues.
Ken loved feeling the wind on his face and the smells of nature as he traveled the open roads on his Indian motorcycle. Meeting new people to share stories with was a great part of his passion to ride. He and his son Paul logged many hours riding around Racine County. His dream had been to travel Route 66 on his Indian. He fulfilled his dream.
Ken is survived by his wife, Janet Vetrovec; sons, David (Erica) Vetrovec and their daughter Natalie, Brian Vetrovec and his fiancé, Angelica Olivera, and Paul Vetrovec; his brother, Bruce (Jean) Vetrovec and their children, Kristin Vetrovec and Erik Vetrovec; sister-in-law, Judy Winkel; and his parents, Laddie and Evelyn Vetrovec. Ken is also survived by other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services for Ken will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3825 Erie St., on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at 10 a.m. with Rev. Rosalind E. Dryver-Scott officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and at the church on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be sent to Lakeside Curative Workshop, Gateway Technical College Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, Trinity United Methodist Church, Racine Rotary West Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000
1 comment:
Sorry to here about Kenny. We were in HS together, and he filmed our (too funny)Senior Class film. I'm torn up at want happened to him, as I have been a long distance bike rider for decades, and wish too never hear of a friend "going down". Ken was always a super person in HS, and this brings back many memories from the HS years.
My condolences to his family, and from me, Ken will be missed. He was doing what he loved, as I also love the "open road", on a bike. But I'm, again..sorry for the tragic ending. My blessing's too all.
His old friend from Senior year HS, Bob Queen (email hogrider2@gmail.com)..and our HS Yahoo group is well informed. And we would like a link, to his Blog, of the trip, is thats possible. Thanks..his old friend.
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