Kenneth William Jost

Kenneth Wm. Jost, 74 of Chetek passed away Monday, April 09, 2018 at Lakeview Medical Center in Rice Lake.  He was born April 14, 1943 in Melrose Park, Illinois to Roberta and William Jost, Jr.

At age 1-8 he was in Maywood, Illinois on 5th Avenue.  His first job was age 6 as a sweeper and window washer for Earl, the barber, also on 5th Avenue.  In 1951 he moved to Western Springs, Illinois.  Grade School; as a 6th grader, he was suspended for 3 days for fighting and lost a front tooth as a result.  Junior High at McClure Junior High School; Gym teacher was Lou Sabin who later became a professional football coach.  He caddied at Hinsdale Golf Club for Tom Mulligan.  A guest of Tom’s was Judy Turlemke, now Judy Rankin, who is presently a professional golfer and a TV Golf Channel commentator.  High School; wrestled and golfed.  The Athletic Director was a former Marine Drill Sergeant.  College: Beloit, WI graduated with a BA in Economics.  Then caddied and worked for the president and CEO of the Jewel Tea Company.  Attended University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Professor was George Schultz who later became Secretary of Labor and Secretary of State under then President Nixon.  Went to University of Wisconsin Law School and graduated in 1968.  He served on the Dane Co. Board of Supervisors and law clerked for Bill Dyke, former Mayor of Madison.

Ken enlisted in the US Army Reserves, served in the JAG reserves with Tommy Thompson.  After active duty, in 1969 came to Madison and met Marge.  He moved to Chetek and opened the Jost Law Office.  Ken and Marge married October 20, 1973.  Lately, has been on the Chetek School Board from 2002-2015, Barron County Board of Supervisors and 2nd Vice Chair since 2006, Past President of the Chetek Economic Development Corporation, Vice Chair and Chair of Momentum West.  Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Chetek from 1987-2016, Regional Business Fund since 2006, now is vice president, Commissioner on Regional Planning Commission.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Margaret, blessed with six children; Ruth (Cletus) Bontrager, John (Jill), Marvin (Doni), Kelly (Tammy), Michelle (Chris) Farmer, Katrina (Dan) Brunclik, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, foster children, a foreign exchange student and friends of the Jost kids who still remain close, one sister; Christina (John) Schleifer, nephews and great nephew and nieces.  He is preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. at Faith Baptist Church in Chetek Friday, April 13, 2018.  Visitation for Kenneth will be Thursday, April 12 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at the funeral home and again one hour prior to the service on Friday at church. Military Honors will be accorded following the service. Interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Chetek Youth Center, P.O. Box 237, Chetek, WI 54728.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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