Kenneth Voss

Kenneth H. Voss, age 88, lifelong resident of River Grove, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2020, from the rupture of a previously diagnosed aneurysm.

Loving father of Bill (Dara) Voss and Cheryl (fiancé Jeff Kytta) Voss Steele, adoring grandfather of Dan (Aimee) Voss, Kelly (Rick) Huls, Becky Voss, and Hannah Steele, proud step grandfather of Benjamin Schuffert and Kara (David) Brotherton, joyous great grandfather of Jacob, Lana, Reagan, Madison, Zara, and Jude, special “Uncle Kenny” to many nieces, nephews, and neighbors, fun-loving cousin, and loyal friend to many and to his beloved community.  He is preceded in death by his precious wife of 59 years, Marion (Philip) Voss, his parents Gottfried and Sophie (Eltmann) Voss, brother Gerhardt Voss, and sister Charlene (Voss) Keppler.

Born and raised in River Grove, Illinois, Ken attended River Grove Elementary School and Leyden Community High School where he won many awards for his accomplishments in track and field.  While in school he worked part time for a neighbor, working out of the neighbor’s garage doing iron fencing work.  He was then hired by Sheet Steel Welding in Franklin Park as a welder.  It was there that he met the love of his life, Marion Philip, who worked in the office.  Shortly after, he was deployed to Korea to serve in the United States Army as Sergeant where he received the Korean Service Ribbon, United Nations Service Medal, and the Nation Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged and returning to his bride-to-be and Sheet Steel Welding.  Ken and Marion were married on April 27, 1957.  In 1961, Ken joined Ace Metal Crafts Company in Franklin Park as a welder.  His talents then led him from the shop to the office doing layout and design work.  He enjoyed pitching horseshoes with his work friends and was an active participant in the Ace bowling team for many years.  He and Marion also participated in various bowling leagues throughout the years with their friends.  Ken retired from Ace Metal Crafts Company in 1996, after 35 years of outstanding service and friendship.  The majority of his retirement years were spent in dedication and care of his beloved wife.  Ken was known for his quiet nature, brilliant mind, and dry sense of humor.  He lived independently in his cherished home, still driving, enjoying yard work, and having a beer on the patio, until the very end.  In his later years, he often commented on how he lived a good life and felt very blessed.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date when it is safer to gather and hug.  In lieu of flowers or donations, the Voss family would like you to honor Ken’s life by smiling at a stranger or taking someone you love out to dinner.