Kenneth Stephen Fousek

Kenneth Stephen Fousek hated to leave this world which he loved – but nonetheless God has now welcomed him home. Ken passed from this life on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at North Kansas City Hospice. He is survived by two sisters, Janice Ozane (Rodney) of Mitchell, South Dakota, and Pam Waldner (Zach) of Huron, South Dakota, as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

Ken was born in Scotland, South Dakota on April 22, 1949. He attended a special school for handicapped children, The Crippled Children’s Home and School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from preschool through high school graduation. This school was innovative and progressive for its time – allowing all students, no matter their physical challenges, to be involved in theater, sports, scouting and every manner of creative opportunity. Ken later attended Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, where he earned a BA in political science and an MA in counseling.

Ken went to work for the state of Kansas, in Topeka, as a civil rights advocate. He later moved to Excelsior Springs, Missouri, where he served on the City Council for twelve years. Ken was also known to be the local historian, a tutor helping children learn to read, a volunteer at the Excelsior Springs Museum, a member of the gardening club and a notorious gadfly on countless issues he deemed important. Ken wrote articles on sustainable agriculture for a national publication, Acres USA, and was deeply concerned about environmental issues related to how food is grown.

Locally, Ken was famous for his enthusiastic capacity to engage in conversation with anyone and everyone in the community. He loved the art of conversation and could be found on a daily basis steering his motorized wheelchair through downtown, talking to everyone he encountered. He had a special love for books and had acquired a serious collection of titles ranging from history to literature – electricity to medicine. In the last many years he gave away books to anyone who could be persuaded to come take a look at his vast library. He often remarked, “I want my books to all have a good home.”

Ken will be deeply missed. His mark upon the people and the community of Excelsior Springs will long be remembered. A celebration of Ken’s life and legacy will be celebrated later this spring. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Good Samaritan Center or the Excelsior Springs Museum.

Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.