Kenneth "Ken" Rykowski

Ken was born on the family farm in Belfield, North Dakota on April 9, 1946. He was one of eleven children raised by Joseph and Ruby Rykowski. The Rykowski children were well acquainted with farm life and grew up knowing the value of hard work. As a boy, Ken enjoyed hunting for coins with his dad, who was big into coins.

Such as farm kids often do, Ken left high school in the 11th grade to join the workforce. He enlisted in the US Navy in June of 1964 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam conflict. During his term of service he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Bronze Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in April of 1968, just one day after his 22nd birthday.

On September 7th, 1968, Ken married Connie L. Ulmer, the only woman he ever loved, in Dickenson, North Dakota. They traveled and lived in many places before settling in Fort Collins where they had their two sons, Bryan in 1971 and Troy in 1974. Connie passed away in 2016 on the day of their 48th Anniversary.

Ken was a hardworking man all his life. At different times in his life he worked at Lone Star Steel, Value Plastics, and Goldco Industries. He got into coin collecting in the 1990s, a hobby he enjoyed sharing with his son, Bryan, and later in life, enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and shooting. Ken and Connie enjoyed spending time with all their family. After Connie’s passing, Ken enjoyed outings for dinner and drinks with Bryan and his wife.

Ken was a very caring man. He was generous and giving, but still had expectations of his children and of others. He was a man of incredible integrity with a heart of gold. He was a loving husband, patient father, and loyal friend. Though his family is saddened by his passing, they find comfort in knowing that his pain and suffering have come to an end. He will be dearly missed.

Ken is survived by his sons Bryan (Audrey) and Troy (Alicia); grandchildren Erika, Ashley, Andrew, and Jayden; great-grandchildren Koby, Danika, Wyatt, and Kahleesie; and siblings Ray Rykowski, Helen Flaaen, Janice Schwindt, LaVerne Witte, Sandra Thuy, Ron Rykowski, Dave Rykowski, and Doug Rykowski; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces & nephews, other extended family, and many dear friends. He was greeted at the gate by his beloved wife of 48 years, Connie Rykowski, his sister Marlene Stanley and brother Ed Rykowski, and by his mother & father.

Ken and Connie will be placed to eternal rest together at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Fort Collins on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 at 1pm. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will follow at the American Legion George Beach Post 4 in Fort Collins at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to the American Legion George Beach Post 4, where Ken was a longtime member. Treasured memories of Ken and words of condolence for his family are welcome at www.resthavencolorado.com .