Kenneth V. Kless

May 9, 1945 -July 6, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth V. Kless, who left us on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on May 9, 1945, to Vito and Joan Kless.  Ken played many roles to people he cared for in his life, and had many names besides Kenneth, Ken, and Kenny. He was also a father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many.

He loved his family and friends with all his heart.  Family gatherings and sporting events with his family were his favorite.  Ken also could be quite a comedian. He could spontaneously tell you a hilarious story and have you crying with laughter. His cheer was contagious. He was just a joy to be around.

Being very meticulous and orderly made him the perfect soldier in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Even as a child, Ken never needed to be told to clean his room. Visitors to his residence would comment that his place looked like a museum. They’d jokingly say, “I’m afraid to touch anything in here Ken”.

Ken volunteered considerably in his community throughout his life. He was always there to help. Among the places he volunteered at was at the local hospital and at the Kenosha County Fair. He was also an usher at St Mary’s Catholic Church as well as a performer in the church music group as a singer. Need Ken to help out at the church festival? He was there.

Ken enjoyed music and performing arts. He acted in local Follies and performed music in various folk groups around the area.  Folk was his genre, especially Bob Dylan, but he loved a lot of genres of music as well, and even had Yanni in his music collection.

Ken was very fond of animals, especially dogs and elephants. “Hug those dogs” he would say after finishing a conversation on the telephone. If you didn’t know what to buy him for Christmas, buy him something with an elephant on it. He also loved to visit the zoo and watched countless nature programs on TV.

Sports were always part of Ken’s activities, either as an athlete or a spectator. He was quite the baseball and softball player in his youth. watching his Chicago Blackhawks, Cubs, and Bears as well as rooting for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.

Ken is survived by his son, Kevin (Janice) Kless; sisters, Mary Jo (Nick) Blesz, Sandra (Dan) Lenegar and Claudia (Dan) Trotter; grandsons, Gunnar Kless and Kevin Adkins; granddaughter, Cristianna (Robert) Caplinger; great grandchildren, Addy, Carter and Caleb and his niece, Heather (Eric) Itzenhuiser as well as many other nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Tracy Kless; granddaughter, Tehra Kless; sister, Terri Butterbrodt and nephew, Mathew Pickos.

Memorial services honoring Kenneth’s life will be held privately.