Lifelong resident of Rockdale, passed away at Symphony of Joliet Nursing Home, Wednesday, November 7, 2018. Age 86 years. Survived by four sisters-in-law Dorothy Carlson, Belva Reynolds, Betty Aspel and Mildred Frank. His brother-in-law Gene Frank. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Margaret E. Mietz (2015) and his parents Albert and Nelsina Mietz. Ken was a graduate of Joliet Township High School Class of 1950 and Joliet Junior College. He served in the United States Navy Reserves for eight years. Ken retired from Barrett's Ace Hardware in Joliet. Devoted member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. Avid sports fan of the Chicago Bears and White Sox, Ken traveled to all of the Joliet Central High School basketball games and was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He enjoyed traveling though out the country, Hawaiian Islands and the Holy Land. Ken was well known at his favorite restaurants Al's Steak House and Merichka's.