Kenneth Richard Gulczynski, affectionately known as “Kenny G” passed away at the age of 73 on August 1, 2024, after a long illness. He was born on June 17, 1951, on the south side in Chicago’s back of the yard’s neighborhood to a large Polish family. Son of the late Richard J. Gulczynski and Dolores R. Gulczynski (nee Korzeniewski). He leaves behind his most beloved wife, Diane (nee Olha).  He was the beloved father of daughter, the late Kerrie (nee Long) and son Keith Gulczynski.  He also leaves behind his stepchildren, Christopher Peterson, Kelly (nee Peterson) and John Blum. His loving grandchildren Eric Peterson, Abby Blum, Jacob Blum and Lilly (nee Blum) and Nathan Gasca.
 Ken was the eldest of four children and always “big brother” to his sister Nancy (nee Gulczynski) and the late Paul Reiff, his brother Chester and Nancy (nee Pierson) Gulczynski and sister, Jeannie Gulczynski. He was fond uncle to Richard and Melinda (nee Hutchins) Reiff, Paul Reiff, Michael and Kristen (nee Monroe) King, the late Julie King, Jamie and Addrena (nee Kim) King, Jacob Gulczynski and Jessica Gulczynski. He was great-uncle to Aden Allen, Raegan Reiff, Maezy Reiff, Roxie Reiff, Hannah Etheridge, Teagan Etheridge, Macklyn Reiff, Ricky Reiff and Emerson King. He was the fond nephew to many aunts and uncles, and cherished cousin to many more including Sharon (Wegner) and the late Willard Heflin, and Georgia (nee Korzeniewski) and the late Robert Homko.
 Ken attended St. Rita Highschool and later graduated in 1969 from Kennedy High School when his family moved to the Midway Airport area.  He joined the Marine Corp shortly after graduation and was a Vietnam Veteran, serving his country from November 3, 1969 to September 7, 1973, achieving the rank of Seargent. He was extremely proud to be a U.S. Marine and proud of his military service. 
 Ken worked as a millwright for many years at Reynolds Metals in McCook, Illinois. He later retired and moved to Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin with his wife Diane.  He was very active in the American Legion Post 166 and the VFW Post 1879 in Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin. He dedicated his time to helping other vets giving them rides to the doctor and other appointments. He was also a fierce advocate in assisting veterans in obtaining their benefits.
 When visiting Ken, you could always count on being “persuaded” to join the American Legion, if you were not already a member, where he spent time sharing laughs and memories with friends.  Drinks at the VFW or American Legion, followed by a good steak at one of the many Wisconsin Supper Clubs was always on the agenda as well. That is, unless it was a Friday night. Then he would take you to a place that served the best walleye in town.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Wounded Warriors Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Ken's memory.


KENNETH RICHARD GULCZYNSKI

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