It is with great sadness that the family of Kenneth Frank Bohnsack announces his passing at the age of 86 years. On September 26, 2018, Ken’s big heart, well-known for its love, care, compassion and kindness, failed him. Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 61 years, Mary (nee Brunsvold) and his children, Eric (Kim) and Janet (Walter) Fullmer and his precious grandsons, Jacob and Dan Fullmer. Ken will also be fondly remembered by his sister Alice Scherer, his sister-in-law Reta Bohnsack, his brother-in-law Roger Brunsvold, nieces and nephews, their children, extended family and dear friends. Ken was preceeded in death by his brothers, Lester and Ralph Bohnsack. Ken was a long-time resident of Freeport, IL and recently moved and split his time between Milwaukee, WI and Surprise, AZ.
Ken was born in Burlington, Wisconsin to his late parents, William and Alma Bohnsack. He lost his parents early and was raised by his aunt and uncle before attending high school at Northwestern Preparatory School in Watertown, WI. Ken received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education from UW-LaCrosse. He was an Army veteran serving for 2 years where he was a clerk and teacher and traveled the Japanese islands playing for his base baseball team. A highlight was as Far East Region Champions, playing against the NY Yankees. He met Mary on a blind date and they were married six months later. He began his sales career in 1956 as a Fuller Brush man then transitioned to insurance sales, a career that spanned over 50 years.
Ken’s love of baseball extended to coaching in several leagues and reached hundreds of young men, several who still remember his coaching and the impact he made on their lives to this day. Ken himself joined the senior softball league for winters in Arizona. Ken’s volunteering was extensive. He chaired the Stephenson County Cancer Drive and a church building committee. He ran for Congress in 1986 based on strongly held beliefs of monetary policy and was active with the Democratic National Party. He worked tirelessly for Pretzel City USA, chaired the Pretzel City Festival and organized Freeport Quarry Days. He was an active advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and led the committee for the Pat Holmes award in Freeport for 37 years. He also is remembered for numerous unnamed acts of volunteering and helping others. He never failed to put others first and take charge when a need arose of any kind.
Ken was honored to be “Uncle Kenny” and “Everyone’s Dad”. He could easily make any child giggle. He never failed to share his trademark card tricks. His love of his family and friends was genuine and boundless. Ken knew the importance of “networking” before that term was trendy. There was never a stranger Ken couldn’t establish a conversation with. He will be greatly missed by many.
Your support and love is welcome by joining us in celebrations of Ken’s life in either Milwaukee, WI or Freeport, IL. Both events are open houses.
Sunday, October 14, 2018, 3:00-7:00pm, home of Eric and Kim Bohnsack, 6630 S. 46th St, Franklin, WI. Group sharing of memories at approximately 5pm.
Saturday, October 27, 2018, 5:00-9:00pm, Cimino’s Little Italy, 421 Challenge St, Freeport, IL. Group sharing of memories at approximately 7pm.
If you wish, memorials in honor of Ken can be made to a charity of your choice.
