Kenneth George Dumroese, 82, of Clearwater, FL, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at the Bay Pines VA Hospital in Bay Pines, FL. He was born in Chicago, IL, and moved to Clearwater in 1994 following the death of his wife, Marilyn Tracey.
He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War, serving as a Medic. He worked for many years as a Logistics Manager for the Sunbeam Corporation.
He lived in Chicago all his life, marrying his long-time love Marilyn Tracey on May 4, 1979. Ken loved his late wife Marilyn, his family, his friends, his old time radio, Chicago sports teams – except the White Sox – and he loved people. If you ever sat next to Ken on a train trip or a bus ride, at the end of the journey you’d know everything about Ken (and his family and friends.)
In the last weeks of his life at the VA hospital at Bay Pines, Ken enjoyed himself more than you’d think possible. He reconnected with other veterans and regularly was honored and thanked for his service, which meant a great deal to him. He made a lot of friends in the hospital and a number of staff members visited Ken when he moved to hospice.
Ken reached out to just about everyone he encountered and he was a bright spot in a lot of lives. He’ll be missed.
Survived by brother-in-law Don Marrow, nephew and niece Mike and Alice Marrow, all of Ferndale, Michigan, their son Patrick Marrow of Portland, Oregon and his cousins Ron Krengel and his wife Elsa, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Edith and Bernard Weisner and Audrey and Robert Fredland.
Ken will be buried in Bay Pines National Cemetery, as he requested. A military service will be held there at a later date to be announced.
we will miss you ken love all your friends in your aruba building top of the world
RIP Ken, all of us at On Top of the World will miss you and all of your stories.
It was nice to reconnect and talk about the old days in Chicago. We will miss you.
I loved sitting in his living room playing cribbage and listening to stories about his family and friends. He always teared up when talking about his wife; he did love her so much. Well, Ken, no more pain or sorrow. I’ll be seeing you…
My cousin Ken had was a rapid fire quick witted
energetic caring friend who introduced me to going to the movies, The Chicago River View Amusement Park,and touring the old neighborhood businesses when we were together visiting our grandparets George and Frida Guntzburger. Ken played in the high school band and sang with a Barber Shop Quartet group for many years. It was always great visiting with him because you left with a smile on your face and a warm spot in your heart. We will miss Ken dearly,
My prayers to the family. May God grant you peace at this sad time in your lives.
from a member of the Church.
Charlene Rogers
I met Ken in 1954. We were part of a close knit group that did lots of things together. He and then he and Marilyn came to parties at our house for many years. After Ken moved to FL, I never saw him again, but have many wonderful memories of his friendship many years ago.
I wish I had met you sooner. Thanks for the time I did know you !! Peace to you and your family …
My family goes way back with Kenny. My father, Dick Coveliers went to HS with him. He was a great guy! He would tell the story of how my parents would hoodwink him into babysitting for me! He shared his love of old-time radio with me and I now share it with my classes I teach! When we had picnics or bbq’s, Kenny would be one of the last ones standing around singing barbershop quartet songs long into the night…He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye! God bless, Kenny! Take your spot at the card table with Mom, Dad, and Marilyn!