Kenneth "Ken" Ray Foss

Kenneth “Ken” Ray Foss, 86, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away September 19, 2023 at We Care Group Home of Las Vegas, NV after a short illness.  He was born September 25, 1936 in Elyria where he was a resident until moving to Henderson in 2002. 

Ken enjoyed bowling, watching baseball, romantic comedies (especially Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts films) over and over, and golf (until a few years ago).  He was a huge Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan and watched as many games as available in Nevada.  He took great delight in losses by the Yankees or Dodgers as he never like the teams that could “buy” their good teams.  Ken enjoyed his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him great joy.  He lived for seeing videos, pictures or face time chats with everyone outside of Nevada and also many visits from family since moving there. 

Ken was a 1954 graduate of Elyria High School and worked at Lorain Ford Motor Assembly plant from the late 1950’s until retiring in 1996.  He worked many jobs there, but was ultimately in the “pit” where he set the toe-in on the front end of cars.  For most of his time, this was a manual job and the calluses on his hands would attest to that.  Ken was a very hard-working, humble man who passed those traits on to his family.

Ken went to Lorain to ultimately find his first wife, Judy Meldrum.  She would frequently remind him that he had come to Lorain to find the right one.  They were married in 1958 until her death in May 2001.  Together, they enjoyed bowling, golf, family and friends.

He then had a second lease on love when his sister-in-law, Nancy Kertesz (who was widowed) invited him to Las Vegas after her sister Judy (Ken’s first wife) passed away because Nancy knew of the loss he was feeling.  They were married in 2002 until her death in October 2015.  They enjoyed life, bowling, gambling, playing golf and visits from family and friends from out of state.

Ken is survived by sons, Jeff (Lori) Foss of Elyria and Doug Foss of Belgrade, Serbia; step-daughter, Melissa (Dave) Alexander of North Pole, AK; step-son, John E. (Debbie) Kertesz of West Lafayette, IN; son-in-law, Mark Sakal of Elyria; grandchildren, Kyle (Laura) Foss of Rocky River, Matt Sakal (Todd Bills) of Orlando, FL, Kristen (Chris) Humphrey of Marysville, OH, Tyler (Tina Brigeman) Sakal of Pittsburgh, PA, Ryan Kertesz of Troy, MI and Andrew Kertesz of West Lafayette, IN; great-granddaughters, Hannah Foss, Isla Humphrey and Heidi Foss. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy (nee Meldrum) Foss in 2001; second wife, Nancy (nee Meldrum-Kertesz) Foss in 2015; daughter, Terri Sakal in 2016; parents, Earl and Nell Foss; brother, Bill (Joan) Foss and a sister, Eleanor McDaniels.

The family would like to thank and express their gratitude to the caregivers at We Care Group Home and Nathan Adelson Hospice of Las Vegas for their care, concern and support they provided Ken for the last few months.

Friends will be received Friday, October 27, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Dicken Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 323 Middle Avenue, Elyria.  A graveside service will be 11:00 am Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township with Reverend Frank P. Kosem officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

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