Kenneth L. Korzilius

Racine – Kenneth Lee Korzilius, friend to many, jack-of-all-trades, and master storyteller, passed away unexpectedly on July 22, 2013.

Born and raised in Racine, Ken is the son of the late Frank and Agnes (nee: Welch) Korzilius. His parents instilled in both him and his brother (deceased) Frank, the spirit of the American Dream that was popular at the time. Carrying this dream around, Ken attended St Catherine’s High School and shortly thereafter enlisted into the Army Reserves.

Alive and happy, Ken returned to Racine and met the lady of this life, Mary Lou (nee: Woitach). Friends noted that he was often noted saying that Mary (whom he kindly and always referred to as "Lou") is the better half of the seesaw that together they created. Where Ken was soft, Mary was strict and where Mary didn’t know, Ken showed the way. They soon were married and balanced each other out on May 9, of 1960 at St. Stanislaus Church.

Knowing that he had to provide for his wife and soon family, Ken quickly got a job doing something he excelled at—working on automobiles. He had a passion for the sounds the engines made and the simplicity with which they did complicated things. As an established auto-man, Ken and Mary started their family. First came Curtis the oldest, then Joseph, and later the jewel to his treasure (and only girl), Vicky, who was followed by Peter, the baby of the bunch.

With a family that needed a large enough place to accommodate his family, Ken worked his way up. Once a mechanic and later a Texaco and Shell owner, Ken accomplished what was needed to move forward and provide for his family. A member of St. Lucy Catholic Church for more than 50 years, and current member of St Cat’s Alumni, Ken credited his Catholic upbringing with much of the moral compass that guided him.

To each he taught the importance of family, of sowing, tending, and reaping of the harvest that he wanted each of his children to have—a little piece of the American Dream he created with his wife, Lou. Ken was a family man first, but had a love for the game of golf. He often was found playing or working on the golf course, and never shied away from those that asked of his help.

Ken leaves behind many who will miss him. His wife of more than 50 years, Mary Lou, who knows they will reunite again, and their children survive him: Curtis of Racine, Joseph (Nancy Huizenga) of St. Paul, Minnesota, Vicky (Thomas Payne) of Racine, and Peter (Kim Polzin) of Racine. He will be missed by his large extended family including his special grandchildren: Thomas, James and Michael Payne, Rebekah and Isabella Korzilius. Mother-in-law Sophie Woitach, brother-in-law Joseph and wife Mary, sister-in-law Pat Woitach.

Those he went to meet are his mom and dad, his brother and sister-in-law Frank and Stella Korzilius, father-in-law Joe Woitach, brother-in-law Greg Woitach and many of his past golf buddies and friends.

He leaves not only his family but also the numerous friends he met along the way.

A Mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., on Thursday, July 25th, at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the Mass. He will be buried privately at Holy Cross Cemetery on Hwy 31. The family has suggested memorials to St. Lucy’s School.