Kenneth K. Hamsher

Kenneth K. Hamsher, age 91, former resident of Johnsburg, and longtime resident and business owner of K. K. Hamsher Funeral Home, Ltd.  in Fox Lake, IL died peacefully at his home on Sunday, June 22, 2014.

He was born in Flint, Michigan on Oct. 22, 1922, and was a Veteran of the US Navy during World War II and Charter Member of the Johnsburg  (Volunteer) Rescue Squad.

He owned and operated the K. K. Hamsher Funeral Home (formerly the Justen-Hamsher Funeral Home) from 1953 to the present time.  His ambulance service provided emergency care to Fox Lake and surrounding communities (during which time he delivered 13 babies) until the Fox Lake Rescue Squad came into existence.

He enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique cars including his 1927 Meteor Hearse which he drove in many Fox Lake parades.  He loved boating on Chain O' Lakes and enjoyed gardening. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and had a great love of animals especially his Digger I and Digger II.  His heart went out to those in need.

He was a longtime member of St. Bede Catholic Church in Ingleside; Fox Lake Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Post 703, the Fox Lake Lions Club; Charter member and former Board of Directors of the Lakeland Cardinals Football Team, sponsor of the Blind Bowlers Assn., and Grant Township Little League.  He was a former member of the Lake County Sheriff's Merit Commission and served one term on the Grant High School Board, two terms as trustee for the Village of Fox Lake and was honored to serve as Mayor of his town.

He is survived by his children: Deborah (Dale) Glen Sr. of Fox Lake:  Sharon (Alan) Breunig of Spring Grove; and Kirk Hamsher of Volo; His grandchildren:  Dale Glen Jr. of Texas; Kevin (Katy) Glen of Wilmette; & Kory (Lisa) Glen of Cary; Joe and Lou Amodeo of Chicago; Brandon (Meaghan) Breunig of KY; Brittany (Kyle) Pettengell of AZ; Logan Ernster and Hayden Hamsher of Johnsburg;  great grandchildren: Gracie, Charlotte, Evan & Emily Glen; Ben, Will & Hallie Breunig and Ava, Bella and David Pettengell and by many dear friends, his excellent caregivers, especially his dearest and loving caregiver, Jo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma (nee Lay),  his wife of 63 years.

Visitations will be Thursday, June 26 from 4 – 9 PM at K. K. Hamsher Funeral Home, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd. in Fox Lake (1 block west of Rte. 12,  ½ block north of Grand Ave. (The Chapel on the Lake).

All are asked to go directly to St. Bede Catholic Church, 36455 N. Wilson Rd., Ingleside 60041 for the funeral mass which begins at 10:00 A.M. on Friday.   Entombment will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville.

Memorials in Kenneth's memory may be made for masses, St. Bede School in care of the church; for Fox Lake Fire Protection District, PO Box 237, Ingleside, IL  60041, or for Grant Township  Food Pantry, 26725 W. Molidor Rd., Ingleside, IL  60041.