Kenneth Goss
Saint Jacob |
Kenneth “Ken” Harold Goss, age 74, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at his home in St. Jacob, IL. He was born on September 25, 1950 to Harold and Josephine Goss, who are deceased. He is survived by his children Ken Goss, Jr. of San Diego, CA; Kathryn J. Goss (Gema) of El Paso, TX; Dr. Gary Goss of Phoenix, AZ and Susan Winn (Austin) of Portland, OR. He is also survived by his two granddaughters Olivia and Shaylee Goss, as well as his sister Kathy (Rick) Stewart, nieces, great nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ken married Diane Miller in 1976 and later divorced. To that union Ken, Jr. was born. In 1987, Ken married Rev. Nancy Brooks (Grotefendt) and together they had Katie Jo, Gary and Susie. They also later divorced but remained friends over many years.
To the man who needs no introduction and who never met a stranger, Ken Goss was a kind and vivacious soul who would touch the hearts of everyone around him. Everyone was a friend – whether it was someone he had known for years, or someone he met just that day. He truly enjoyed connecting with others and always had a story to share. Ken always saw the good in people. His charismatic personality was uniquely all his own. He had a long list of coined phrases that inserted the kind of humor and lightheartedness that was needed in any situation.
Ken loved traveling with his children, taking family trips to Redwoods National Park and the Grand Canyon, many cross-country trips to see his family in Arizona and Texas, along with two trips to Puerto Rico. He didn’t hesitate to embark on the long journey across the country from Texas to Oregon to help his daughter move in 2022. Each trip he would buy record-breaking amounts of souvenirs to commemorate the places he had been.
Ken had a deep love for auctions and was a passionate collector, often traveling across Illinois during the week and on the weekends to attend them. He owned no less than 15 cuckoo clocks, records, retro toys and knick-knacks, depression glass and much more. He lived by “one man’s junk, is another man’s treasure.”
Ken also enjoyed spending time outdoors in his yard, whether he was gardening or working on landscaping projects. He delighted in pointing out something he had just planted and took pride in the work he had accomplished. Another activity he took up more routinely later in his life was riding his pedal bike. This helped him to remain fit and keep up with his kids when they went hiking.
Ken was a father, brother, and friend to many. His family will greatly miss his free spirit, kindness, humor, and the love he shared throughout his life.
Funeral services will at St. Jacob United Church of Chris in St. Jacob, IL on Saturday, June 7. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM with the service immediately following. The service will be officiated by Rev. Nancy Brooks. Memorials may be given to St. Jacob United Church of Christ.
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home
