Kenneth Joseph Warzyn

Kenneth Joseph Warzyn passed away on April 19, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Wauwatosa, WI on Christmas Day in 1935, he was the beloved son of Walter and Stella Warzyn.

Ken leaves behind his devoted spouse, Mary “Betsy” Warzyn, his loving children Susan (Tim) Counsell, Barb (John) Bendall and Tom (Tina) Warzyn; his grandchildren Meghan (Marty) Morris, Kristin (Josh) Pakenham, Jamie (Mike) Barker, Nikki (Paul) Nickolaus, Jake (Lisa) Bendall, Michael (Febe) Bendall, David (Natasha) Bendall, Nick (Bri) Warzyn and Joe (Brittany) Warzyn; his great-grandchildren Cole, Nolan, Makayla, Mason, Mallory, Molly, Tucker, Miles, JoJo, Ella, Liam, Wesley, Nora, Ainsley, Elizabeth, Allisan, Mason and Marley; sisters-in-law Pauline Warzyn and Marlys (Ed) Hamann; along with other family and friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Walter (Lucille), Donald (Donna) and Richard Warzyn; sister Malita Koch; grandson Joey Counsell; mother-in-law Lucille Carlisle; brothers-in-law Jim (Nita) and Tom Carlisle; and sister-in-law Barbara Kershner.

Ken enlisted in the US. Army as an Airborne Volunteer in August 1953. He had basic training in 8th Infantry and volunteered for Leadership school at Fort Jackson, SC. He graduated as a Private First Class and was assigned to Co D 508th ARCT in March 1954 and attended the 11th Airborne Division Jump school at Fort Campbell, KY. He was promoted to Corporal and served as Company D Supply Clerk during 1954. In 1955 and 1956, he served as the Company Supply Sgt. At Fort Campbell and then at Camp Wood, Japan.

Ken married Mary Elizabeth Carlisle (Betsy) from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in August 1957 while attending the University of Wisconsin on the G.I. Bill. He graduated with a B.S.-Economics in 1962 and was employed by Allis Chalmers, General Electric and The Larry Hammond Co. Ken was also a Volunteer Fireman and was elected Treasurer of the Stone Bank Fire Department. He was also elected to the Oconomowoc District School Board, and was elected Alderman in the City of Oconomowoc, WI and served on the Fire and Police Commission. He retired in January 1999 as CEO of The Larry Hammond Co. in Waukesha, WI. While in Florida, Ken and Betsy volunteered at the V.A. Clinic in New Port Richey for 8 years in the Pharmacy. Ken was also a Volunteer Deputy for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Department since 2004.

A true pillar of his community, volunteering was a cornerstone of Ken's life. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends, undertaking tasks with a sense of compassion and generosity that touched many hearts. He was also a passionate pilot who owned his own airplane, Kenneth and Mary shared many adventures traveling to different locations, creating countless cherished memories together. Kenneth's love for aviation extended to sharing his passion with his grandchildren, taking them to pancake breakfasts in neighboring airports.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Evin and Brighton Hospice for the exceptional care and respect shown to Ken during his time there.

Ken will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at St. Jerome Cemetery.