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Kenneth Vetrovec Obituary

Kenneth A. Vetrovec, 59, of Racine, WI, passed away in Ely, NV on Monday, July 6, 2009. 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 fiancee, 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 Street, 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by East Cook Life on Jul. 10, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Vetrovec

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Joe Stanhibel

July 7, 2022

Great memories working on marketing projects, golfing &
our visit in Las Vegas in
April 2009

Robert Hedman

July 22, 2009

To the family of Ken Vetrovec,
I was out of town during the time of Ken's death, and just recently heard. I worked with Ken on many projects in Boy Scouts. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace fellow Bobwhite.
God Bless all family and friends.

Michelle (Winkel) Schwamberger

July 13, 2009

Jan and family-
Please accept our deepest sympathies!
We were sorry to hear of Ken's passing.
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

July 13, 2009

Vetrovek Family,

Ken instructed my Woodbadge course. He was a great leader, exemplary scouter and an outstanding citizen. I am honored to have known him and was very sorry to hear of his loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Nelson

July 12, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the Vetrovec family. Ken will always be remembered by me for his continuous teasing. Each time I ran into him at area functions he had to 'remind me I will always be the "little" Widmaier!

Pat Widmaier (Jim Widmaier's sister)
Racine, Wisconsin

rex brown

July 11, 2009

Janet and family,

I met Ken in 1975. Through all of these years, he has been truly unforgetable.

Your loss is a loss shared by all who knew him.

Mary Trepanier

July 10, 2009

Jan,Paul and family,
I read the Journal Times every AM since my husband and I retired and moved to Arkansas. I was so sorry to read about Paul's dad. I was Paul's assistant at Gilmore. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Carol Watson

July 10, 2009

My husband and I were the first find Mr. Vetrovec after the accident. We feel devastated that there wasn't anything that we could have been done. He looked as though he was a very nice man and after reading about him my suspicions were correct. My heart goes out to his family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Bill & Roxanne Alexander

July 10, 2009

Jan, Paul and family -
Ken was a truly amazing leader in our community. He humbly made a difference in Racine and will be missed. Yet your loss is far greater and we hope you find comfort knowing that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.

Deb Patton

July 10, 2009

Jan and family,

I'm out of town and was saddened to read of Ken's passing. He was and will always be a tremondous person.

My heart and prayers will be with you and your family. He will certainly be missed.

July 10, 2009

I have great memories of working with
Ken on many marketing projects

I'm glad Ken made time to visit with me
this spring at the Mirage in Las Vegas

God Bless

Joe Stanhibel, Las Vegas,Nevada

July 10, 2009

Ken sounds like a wonderful guy, my sympathies to the family.

Lorraine Lange

July 10, 2009

Janet and family; Bob and I were dismayed to open USA Today on Tuesday to learn of Ken's accidental death as the news for the day for Wisconsin. Our hearts ache for you in your loss. Although we cannot be there for the service, you and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. I know your faith is strong and will get you through this loss. God Bless! Lorraine and Bob Lange

ACME OFFICE EQUIPMENT

July 10, 2009

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. KEN WAS A GREAT GUY AND WE WILL MISS SEEING HIM STOP IN ON HIS INDIAN.

July 10, 2009

Jan,

From my Wife Jan and myself, our sincere condolences to you and your family. I really liked Ken's sense of humor, dry or very witty.

He was a gently, loving giant of a person. Please take care.

Sinerely,

Ron Mazmanian

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