Esther and family,
My sympathies to all of you.
May memories continue to bless your hearts and minds.
Much love to you,

 It was the 4th of July 1928, and William Baartz and his wife were getting ready to go to the biggest and greatest 4th of July parade in their town. Suddenly his wife looked at him and said the parade would have to wait, they were going to have a baby! That was Ken's big day into the world. His father reminded him many times how they missed that great parade because he decided to be born. 
 Most of his early summers he spend helping on the farms up in Wisconsin. Milking cows, bailing hay, planting crops. He did not like getting eggs from the chickens as he said, “they did not like him to take their eggs and pursed their lips up at him.” 
 When he started school he spoke nothing but German so school was a challenge. Eventually the German was forgotten and he spoke only English. 
 Farming was not his cup of tea so he decided to get a job. The first one was after school setting pins at the bowling alley. He was so good bowlers asked for him on their tournaments. Ken was a good bowler too! 
 Then the summer of 1950 he met the love of his life. There was free movies on the corner of Waukegan Road and Belvidere. The tavern that sponsored the movies was called Shamrock Grove. God must have had a plan for them to meet there. He had a new '49 Plymouth which caught her eye. She had come with her parents as an afterthought because she didn't really want to go. When he walked over to her and they cot acquainted it clicked immediately. When the movie was over he asked her parents if he could take her for ice cream. They said yes but bring her home before 11 pm. That was the beginning. 1 year later they were married. May 24th 1951. 
 Then in June he was drafted and spent 2 years in the service. 10 months of which were in Japan and Korea. 
 When he returned he decided to build a home, which he did and they lived in it and had 4 children. His family was his life. Everything he did was for them. Sometime they did things he didn't approve of, but he set them straight and everything went along OK. 
 Then the grandchildren came along and he loved having them around. He had many parties and the house was always busy with someone coming and going. He said it was an open house!
 He retired from being a crossing guard which he really enjoyed. He had many children that called him Grandpa and he loved it! He was known for his peppermint candy and Werther's Original which he passed out to everyone. If he forgot to give one they would ask, “Where's the peppermint candy?”
 The family were campers and went camping often. Ken was an avid horse shoe player. He belonged to the North Shore Horse Shoe League. He got into tournaments on the camp grounds and made many lifetime friends. 
 The neighbors would visit and sit outside and if they needed something they would drop over because Ken has everything in “his garage.” This was his life, he was here for everyone. 
 All of this was his live and it passed like a “blink of an eye.” 
 God bless you Ken. May God wrap his arms around you and take you home!

Nicky, Diane and Tracy, So sorry to hear the loss of your Dad.  Many good memories of him and your Mom.  Looking forward to seeing everyone Thursday morning at the Funeral Mass.  Take care

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.  KENNY IS NOW WITH GOD IN HEAVEN AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. KEET, MARYBETH AND FAMILY.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Kenneth W. Baartz

4 juillet 1928 – 13 février 2010

Marsh Funeral Home

Montrez votre soutien

Envoyez Vos
Condoléances

Partager
L'avis De Décès

Obtenir les mises à jour

Prestations de Service