Ken Fosmore

Ken passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and with a satisfied soul on June 24, 2025. His big smile, positive attitude, and heart filled with gratitude were fully intact until his last breath. There is a saying, "Make sure when you take your last breath in life you have plenty to watch." His life was overflowing with experiences and stories that were mostly about fishing, hunting, and family. He absolutely lived his life to the fullest. He loved his family and friends, but his love for fishing, hunting, gardening, and canning could only be described as an addiction in that "more was always better".

His life story started in Pellston, MI where he was a popular student and athlete. He grew up financially poor, but he said they were relationally rich and they "did poor really well". As a young person, he always had a special gift with all ages liking and relating to him. His passion for fishing and hunting was developed as a young boy helping to provide for his family.

In 1965, he was drafted into the Army where in basic training he got the nickname "Smiley" because of his positive attitude and mental and physical toughness that could not be broken. In Vietnam, he flew 870 hours with 560 combat assault hours, and he was decorated with 20 air medals for the campaign. He would often say he promised himself if he could survive the Vietnam War, he would work tirelessly to never have a bad day in his life. He lived that promise every day and was a friend, mentor, encourager, and positive supporter to many throughout his life.

After Vietnam, he returned to Pellston in 1967. In 1969, a college girl from Iowa came to work in Mackinaw City, and Ken met RuthAnn on her third day there. It was love at first sight. Ken and RuthAnn were married several months later and moved to the Glen Lake Area. They enjoyed life together for close to 56 years.

Ken got hired by Century Telephone, and the job introduced him to Leelanau County. He instantly fell in love with the area and all it had to offer. It was the early 1970's, and the county was relatively unknown and a paradise for someone who loved fishing and hunting. He hired some amazingly talented people, and many of them became some of his best friends.

Serving was important to him, so he immediately got involved with Glen Lake Schools to help with fundraising. He was part of the original boosters group that raised money for the football field lights and got donations for the current press box. He loved Glen Lake Sports and for over 40 years, he helped with fundraising projects that earned him a place in the Hall of Fame for fundraising.

His top spiritual gift was giving because nothing gave him more pleasure or joy in life. He loved sharing things with people whether it was fresh fish, fruit, or vegetables, and he would often fill the whole back of his truck with things to give away on his frequent trips to his lake cottage in Canada. There was always room at the table for guests, and he always cooked an extra steak or burger just in case someone stopped by to make everyone feel welcome with his spiritual gift of hospitality.

He was so content with Glen Lake and Canada that he never cared to take a vacation because he always felt like he lived in his own version of the Garden of Eden. He was proud of his lake cottage in Canada and hosted over 200 separate friends to share in fishing and hunting experiences. He loved hanging out at the cabin and playing cards while everyone told their stories from the fishing and hunting adventures that they experienced.

He truly lived his life to the fullest and made each day count. His positive attitude and mental toughness were on full display in his battle with his liver condition that he handled with grace. Many people show us how to live well, but he strengthened many of us in our faith with his strength and attitude in how to die well. Our wonderful Glen Lake Community was so caring with their prayers, support, and encouragement that gave him the boost he needed to keep living until his last breath. We also can't say enough about all the wonderful staff at Munson Healthcare who treated him like family, from the greeters at the entrance to techs, nurses, and doctors who all were invested in helping him. He felt so loved and there is nothing better than a community of people looking out for you and caring for you. Many of the staff members said "we love Ken and his big beautiful smile that is constantly on his face."

He was an inspiration to many people, and he showed us his "whatever it takes" mentality and "learn to be content regardless of the circumstances" mindset in his final chapter of life. A lifetime of giving and sharing came full circle with everyone stepping up to help in many ways to give back to someone who had given so much to them. We will greatly miss him, but we take great comfort in knowing he would often say, "I have lived a great life!" We couldn't ask for a better husband, dad, papa, role model and best friend with whom we shared many wonderful times together in his wonderful life!

Kenneth Louis Fosmore is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, RuthAnn, along with their family of two sons Brad (Jen) and Bryan (Jill) and three grandchildren Joey, Grace, and Lydia. His two sisters, Mary and Marge, also survive him. Ken Fosmore was born on June 13th, 1943, in Cheboygan, Michigan.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St. Traverse City. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Glen Lake Community Church, 4902 W Macfarlane Rd, Glen Arbor. Family will welcome visitors an hour prior to the service on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be given to Glen Lake Community Church or the Glen Lake Schools Foundation – Ken Fosmore Scholarship.