Racine – Kenneth Joseph Fronsee, 68, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 24, 2009 at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center following an inspirational battle with cancer. Ken was born in Stephenson, Michigan on November 26, 1940 to the late Emmanuel and Kathryn (nee: Mathias) Fronsee. He graduated from Menominee High School in 1958. On October 16, 1965 in Kenosha, Ken was united in marriage with the love of his life, Karen J. Glerum. In 1964, Ken began a long and successful career with Monroe Systems for Business, retiring as a District Field Engineer Manager in 1996. He served as a Trustee / Finance Director for the Village of Elmwood Park from 1987-1991. Ken was also a well-respected Advisory Board Member for Waukesha County Technical College from 1987-1999. Among his interests, he enjoyed playing golf, working with computers, and repairing things. Above all, Ken loved and cherished his entire family and friends – always giving, caring and supporting them. With a profound faith in God, he was a member of St. Lucy Catholic Church. Throughout his valiant struggle with cancer, Ken always placed his trust in God and never complained about the battles he had to fight. A walking miracle to say the least, Ken overcame the diagnosis of paralysis and continued to fight for his life with great determination. Surviving are his loving wife of over 43 years, Karen; son, Kenneth E. (Sharon) Fronsee; daughter, Kelly A. (Boychen) Bradshaw; grandchildren, Michael and Hadyn; brothers, Jack (Judy) Fronsee, Thomas (Nancy) Fronsee and Joseph (Victoria) Fronsee; Karen’s parents, Edwin and Leona Glerum; sisters-in-law, Patricia Rossman, Sue (Thomas) Bernhardt, Kathleen (Peter) Knopfhart, Kristine (Tom) Barndollar, Geralyn (Scott Pregent) Willding and Anne Benson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his sisters, Patricia Fronsee, Liela (Larry) Fry and Ann Fronsee. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 4-8 pm (Service of Remembrance at 7:30 pm) and in the church on Thursday from 10-11 am. A heartfelt note of thanks to the special people who supported and inspired Ken to achieve the impossible – Dr. Mullane, Dr. Jayaprakash, Dr. Haider and Dr. Taylor; all the therapists from the All Saints Atrium and Rehab. Floor especially Pat, Sue, Tom, Janica and Jan; the entire nursing staff of the Medical Center 2nd Floor; to Ann Gibbs for bringing Ken’s laughter back; and to all our family, especially Tom Bernhardt, and friends for everything you have done in our time of need. May God bless all of you!
Joyce Brundage says
Dear Karen and family,
We were so very sad to hear about Ken. We know how very sick he was but for you, the whole in your heart is massive. We are so sorry.
God bless you all and may He hold you near for as long as it takes…
Love to all
Joyce and Bill
Diane Davis Hebert says
Saw the obit and remembered both of you from a VERY long time ago. We worked together at Pauline’s. I remember him from parties, just visiting there. We send our condolences. He sounded very strong right to the end.
Barbara Skorija says
Dear Karen and loving family of Ken, I was saddened to read of Ken’s passing. Whenever we talked on the phone, there was never a hint of negativity – only a strong belief in doing God’s will and the asking of strength to battle the cancer, which he valiantly received. Ken was an inspiration to all he met – He found a place in all hearts where he will remain forever.
May memories of the many happy times you shared carry you through this time of grief.