Ken Rosenwinkel

KEN ROSENWINKEL,age 40 of Kaneville, IL, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at his home. BORN / EARLY YEARSHe was born, June 29, 1966 in Elmhurst, IL, the son of Elroy and Marlene A. (Tesch) Rosenwinkel.The family made their home in Roselle, IL where Ken grew up and attended Lake Park High School graduating with the class of 1984.Ken had a gift for mechanics and, like most boys, it showed up in his teens as he began tinkering with engines and peeling rubber with the family car. He attended D.A.V.E.A., a high school industrial arts and trade program and shortly after graduation, began working for Hotsy Inc., as a service technician for power washing equipment. Over the next few years, he was employed at Thomas Engineering, Arrowflow Heating and Air Conditioning and some others before landing a job with Wuich Heating and Air Conditioning at Lake In The Hills, IL. Ken loved the work and was remarkably fast and efficient. From the moment he set foot on a job, he had a vision of exactly what he needed and how to go about it. His parts and tools were always clean and organized and he made work look easy as he stepped through a complex installation like a "Rubic’s Cube" genius. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Worker’s Union #265, Carol Stream and was, in fact, the only heating and air-conditioning technician that many plumbers would allow to work in a building ahead of them! MARRIAGE & FAMILYKen met Karrian Jones through mutual friends who tried every so gently to put the two of them in the same place and time without actually setting up a date. Their match-making failed but fate took over and one day Ken just called. Though incredibly nervous and shy, Ken made it through a dinner date. He would later confide in his future brother-in-law that Karrian was so beautiful, he was afraid to call her again but he did and a the rest became history. Both having been married before, each was cautious yet very much in love. On March 14, 2003, they were wed. With Karrian in Lake in the Hills and Ken in Kaneville they decided to sell both homes and start over but Karrian’s sold so quickly, there was no choice but to set up housekeeping in Kaneville. The house was small but felt like home and they decided to completely remodel it to their liking. As much as Ken was the man for all trades, Karrian was the master decorator and together, they made the home beautiful Outdoors, Ken loved the yard and meticulously mowed it twice a week. The mower was his pride and joy and the "untouchable" machine for any hand but his own. In the spring, he roto-tilled much of the back yard and they raised a bountiful and beautiful garden. For relaxation, there was nothing like fishing for Ken and he enjoyed trips to Mercer, Wisconsin in pursuit of a mighty Muskie. Somehow the Muskie always eluded Ken but that never damped his penchant for fishing. No matter where he and Karrian went, Ken always seemed to know someone. His sense of humor had a way of immediately putting people at ease and he could talk with anyone about most anything. Generous to a fault, he was always helping someone out with home repairs, especially heating and air conditioning. Through all the hard work and the good times, Ken’s nemesis was always alcohol. It made him a different person and, over time, it drew him like a magnet; away from those who loved him; away from life and logic. Wednesday, January 24th, he decided that the way out was to "sleep" through the end of his life. What seemed a peaceful dream to him, was the beginning of a night mare for his loved ones. SURVIVORS He leaves his wife, Karrian,Two step-children, Courtnay and Jacob Fiedler all of Kaneville, IL;His father, Elroy "Rosey" (fiancee Sandra Quartemont) Rosenwinkel of Plato Center;Three siblings: Lynn (Jim) Barnes of Keeneyville, IL, And their children: Ashley and James Steve (Sandy) Rosenwinkel of North Aurora, ILAnd their son, Austin;Beth Rosenwinkel of Aurora, ILHis father-in-law, Joe (Judy) Jones of Streamwood, ILOne brother-in-law, Greg Jones of Streamwood, ILHis maternal grandmother, Alice Tesch of Wausau, WI. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as a community of friends and neighbors. PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his mother, Marlene A. Rosenwinkel, MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Ken’s name to benefit his family. Memorials checks may be made to the Ken Rosenwinkel Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn,

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 28, 2007 form 3-6pm. An evening funeral service will begin at 6:30 pm with the Rev. Jason Turner, pastor of the Kaneville United Methodist Church officiating

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held.