January 27, 1957 ~ February 6, 2016
Kenneth Paul Fogelsonger, 59, of Bay City, our kind hearted, jolly, and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on the evening of Saturday, February 6, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region. Ken was born in Bay City on January 27, 1957, the son of the late Kenneth Roy and Pauline Carol (Mehnert) Fogelsonger. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. On August 11, 1996, Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Janet Bowker. Throughout life, Ken’s occupations included teaching, restaurant management, and most recently Ken was a dispatcher at Short Freight Lines. He will forever be remembered for his true love of fishing and family, his cooking skills (especially his KFC – Ken’s Famous Chicken), and his ability to make a lasting impact on all who were blessed to know him. Ken was at home on the water enjoying his boat, fishing, and the companionship of many close fishing buddies. He had a special talent of making new friends easily at any occasion, and at any time. All who knew him would comment that his humor and practical jokes filled their lives with happiness, put a smile on everyone’s face, and were the source of many hours, days, and years of laughter. The Lord was the cornerstone of his life, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for many years to come. In addition to his wife, Janet, Ken will forever be missed by his daughter, Laurissa Fogelsonger, who brightened his day and was his “buddy forever.” Ken felt blessed by his step-son, Terry Poirier, and was the loving brother of Kathy (Ron) Dolsen, Sandy (Bill) Walsh, Kim (Jeff) Weidenbenner, and Kurt (Deborah) Fogelsonger. Ken is also survived by his aunt, Jo O’Hara; special cousins, Pamela & Rick Jaskiewicz; mother-in-law, Suzanne Bowker; in-laws, Barb (Mark) Allen, Jerry (Rena) Bowker, Pat (Louie) DuRussell, James (Lisa) Bowker; his four legged friend, Ella (who shared his same birthday), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ken was welcomed home to heaven by his parents; father-in-law, David A. Bowker; brother-in-law, Steven D. Bowker, along with many extended family members. Ken’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Friday, February 12, 2016, Ken will be taken to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 1010 33rd St., Bay City, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of his 11:00 AM Memorial Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Ashley and the entire staff of the Neuro ICU at McLaren Bay Region for their knowledge, compassion, and comfort. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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Kenneth Paul Fogelsonger, 59, of Bay City, our kind hearted, jolly, and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend passed away on the evening of Saturday, February 6, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region. Ken was born in Bay City on January 27, 1957, the son of the late Kenneth Roy and Pauline Carol (Mehnert) Fogelsonger. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. On August 11, 1996, Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life, the former Janet Bowker. Throughout life, Ken's occupations included teaching, restaurant management, and most recently Ken was a dispatcher at Short Freight Lines. He will forever be remembered for his true love of fishing and family, his cooking skills (especially his KFC - Ken's Famous Chicken), and his ability to make a lasting impact on all who were blessed to know him. Ken was at home on the water enjoying his boat, fishing, and the companionship of many close fishing buddies. He had a special talent of making new friends easily at any occasion, and at any time. All who knew him would comment that his humor and practical jokes filled their lives with happiness, put a smile on everyone's face, and were the source of many hours, days, and years of laughter. The Lord was the cornerstone of his life, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for many years to come. In addition to his wife, Janet, Ken will forever be missed by his daughter, Laurissa Fogelsonger, who brightened his day and was his "buddy forever." Ken felt blessed by his step-son, Terry Poirier, and was the loving brother of Kathy (Ron) Dolsen, Sandy (Bill) Walsh, Kim (Jeff) Weidenbenner, and Kurt (Deborah) Fogelsonger. Ken is also survived by his aunt, Jo O'Hara; special cousins, Pamela & Rick Jaskiewicz; mother-in-law, Suzanne Bowker; in-laws, Barb (Mark) Allen, Jerry (Rena) Bowker, Pat (Louie) DuRussell, James (Lisa) Bowker; his four legged friend, Ella (who shared his same birthday), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ken was welcomed home to heaven by his parents; father-in-law, David A. Bowker; brother-in-law, Steven D. Bowker, along with many extended family members. Ken's family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Friday, February 12, 2016, Ken will be taken to Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 1010 33rd St., Bay City, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of his 11:00 AM Memorial Ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Ashley and the entire staff of the Neuro ICU at McLaren Bay Region for their knowledge, compassion, and comfort. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
Guestbook
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One of the best things in the world was getting a big hug and a “Hi sweetie” from Kenny. His practical jokes were legendary. My last joke that I got to play on him was at Applebees. He, Janet and Laurissa were enjoying their meal as I was being seated near them. They didn’t see me. I went to the table and whispered in Ken’s ear, “I’m sorry sir, but you’re going to have to leave.” He looked so stunned. Finally he recognized me and laughed. Ken, you were a great man, husband, father, brother and friend. You will be missed. Much love, Lana DeGrace
Ken was a wonderful Christian brother, friend, and mate on Magic Carpet. I have so many wonderful and happy memories to drawn on to help me when I have that feeling of loss. Ken and I fished together nearly every week on Jack Allards boat the Magic Carpet. Ken and I worked as mates on the boat and I was so blessed to work with him. He always encourage me and the others on the boat. His Christian faith brought to the boat something most fishing boats don’t get to experience. I am sure he has toughed the hearts of all those who fished with us. He may have even started them thinking about what eternity holds for them. Ken’s smile and happy nature could not help but draw folks to him. Although I live in Florida, and haven’t seen much of him in the last few years, I think of him often. I think about the wonderful days we had together. Because of him I have learned to appreciate what we have while we can as there will be a day when our Fathers calls us home too. Ken will be missed by me and many others, but we can draw on the wonderful memories we created together. We who are Christians can look forward to seeing him again.
Thanks Ken for being an important part of my life!!
Bill Myers
My sincere condolences to the Fogelsonger and Mehnert family over the loss on earth of Kenny. May our Lord Jesus provide each of you with His peace that transcends all understanding. Thank God for the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Our Savior!
Sandy (Fogelsonger)Walsh, Kathy McMullen, Patty Schwartz
Kenny, Kevin McMullen, Timmy Schwartz……neighborhood kids.
Todd, Mom, Janet, Ken
Aunt Dee, Todd, Ken
Bill Walsh, Ken
Ken, Todd
Our heartfelt condolences to Ken’s family. Ken was a dispatcher for the company I drive for before he passed. A lot of stories, a lot of laughs and many conversations on our faith and beliefs – which mirrored each others.
We will miss him, but we will see him again someday!
Great picture, just like I remember…
My cousin Kenny was an amazing man. His faith in his savior was so strong. He raised his family in that same faith. Kenny lived his life in the forgiveness of Jesus. He loved as God loves. He would do anything for anyone. Anyone who meet Ken knew his joy right away. He loved all of us. May God grant peace to Larissa and Janet and the whole family. He will be greatly missed and I love him very much.
Todd shared this great photo of all the cousins with Gramma
Kathy’s retirement party – Ken looking on
Ken and Aunt Dee enjoying a good time
The gang at Kathy’s retirement party
All dressed up! Sandy’s trying to take over the matriarch position – front and center.
Ken’s at the wheel of the best boat ever!
This group cleans up nicely
Nice bibs Ken!
That Ken was always stylin.
What was Ken about to do to Bill? Anyone’s guess.
Couple of great guys.
Great shot of the gang.
Mom’s got her eye on Ken. Never take it off.
Nice
WOW
This says it all. All Joy!
Nice photo of Ken and Janet
And do they have the moves.
Kathy, Todd and Ken
And again, Ken is holding the fish Kurt caught.
We did enjoy the times out fishing.
Ken loved his fireworks.
Thank you, Bill, for the very touching tribute to my dear brother. He was so special to me.
Love my family so much!
Ken and his godson, Todd……awesome picture!
The best brothers and sisters…EVER!!! Lots of siblin love going on here.
Love of a father and daughter………..
Tell it like it is little brother!
Two brothers that love each other…..lots of happy memories.
Our family trip to Kim’s/Nashville for Easter.
My brother….my friend…love you and miss you.
I worked at Gordon Food Store where I had the great pleasure of interacting with Ken. He was always a hoot.
I would have liked to have been able to stop by Thursday, but will be out of town until Sunday.
Diane Kocher.
So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. Thought of him often over the years. Went to all 9 year at Trinity together. My condolences to the entire family.
Audrey Olsen (Schoof)
Dear Friends
I’m sitting here at my computer trying to build a Power Point program honoring Kenny’s love of fishing with his many friends. It’s difficult because I have countless files scattered in my computer, some I can’t open having changed operating systems a couple times. Some I have hidden under other topics, some I added text and customized under “Picture It” which say mix and won’t open etc.
But the real problem is seeing Ken’s always smiling face in these pictures and knowing I’ll never see it again in this life on this earth.
Ken was a believer, lived and loved his faith and was active in his Lutheran Church.
He never pushed his faith on others but tried to reassure me that we all have a place in Heaven, after all he was Bay City Yacht Clubs best recruiter.
Ken made everyone he met feel like his best friend forever.
I’m proud I was one of them.
CWJ
Really love the words and pictures of the most wonderful husband and father. You were one of his best friends and enjoyed all the good times together as much as you did.
To ALL of Ken’s family…… Including Regina Delgado(I think I got our fictional characters name wrong… SHOCKER) …..I want to say I have very rarely had the pleasure of taking care of such a wonderful group of people in such a terrible situation. I can’t express my thoughts and prayers for your entire family as much as I would like to. I wish we could have met in different circumstances and I hope our paths cross again one day. My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers.
Ashley Yotkois RN
McLaren Bay Region
Critical Care
Our Heartaches for all of you. We are sending you prayers and love.
It is such a loss to all of us. He was a man with a big heart and always showed this to everyone. We remember all the wonderful memories of all of you with us. He can fish to his heart content. We enjoyed all our times with him fishing or whenever we got together. What a great chef he was and enjoyed his food. Hard to believe Kenny loved to fish but never ate them. But we all enjoyed his fish fry’s.
Sorry we are unable to attend the funeral for we are in the south. But you are in our prayers always and sending hugs and love.
God has blessed me with the most loving brothers and sisters. I love each one with all the love in my heart.
Ashley
Ken’s entire family thanks you for reaching out to extend your kind words of condolence and for being with us during Ken’s last hours. You will be part of our family’s story for generations. Thank You.
Ashley,
I could not agree more with Kurt. I cannot thank you enough for your kind and caring ways with our daughter, Laurissa, Ken and the whole family. You truly are a blessing on that floor. We are so glad we got to know you and also hope our paths cross again under other circumstances.
Janet and Laurissa Fogelsonger
Ken fishiing in Canada with brother Kurt and cousin Bob
Kenny on the water….his second home
Fishing buddies with an awesome catch!