Kenneth R. Fosgate

Retired Lt. Col. Kenneth Richard Fosgate, 94, resident of Minong, WI, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at Twin Ports Health Services in Superior. He was born on April 5, 1928, in Plymouth, NY, the son of Cecil St. Mark and Lila Belle (Harrington) Fosgate.

Throughout his life of almost 95 years, he was the perfect example of love of country. Some of his distinguished 24 plus years career in the United States Air Force included teaching Officer Training School at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, Cigli AFB in Izmir, Turkey, Commander of Osceola AFB in Osceola, WI, Thule AFB in Thule, Greenland, Commander of Det 333 in Tehran, Iran, and Yokota AFB in Tokyo, Japan.

Kenneth’s strong belief in education was evidenced by his earning a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and teaching school in Benoit, WI. He also taught and held the position of principal at the junior high school in Land-O-Lakes, WI.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, collecting automobiles, driving through the North Woods appreciating the scenery and the wildlife, and he carried on his father’s Bloodhound kennel which he passed on to his son Bruce. Kenneth was also an amateur radio operator at W5NKT, where in his 64 years on the radio he made life-long dear friends from around the world.

The greatest joy in his life came from his being able to bring new experiences and adventures to those around him. This is what truly brought the biggest smile to his face. His legacy will live on forever.

Kenneth is survived by his wife and love of his life, Sue Nelson; daughters, Dawn (Alfredo) Santos-Rodriguez, and Denise (Gene) Albertson; son Bruce Fosgate; grandchildren, Rachel Misner, Adam (Lisa Deter) Albertson, and Cory (Kerry) Fosgate; great-grandchildren, Erika “Nani” (Jacob Ingle) Albertson, Aaron “Kua” Albertson, Adryelle “Addi” Albertson, Shaye-Lynn Owens, Tayah Misner, Scarlett Misner,  Elijah “Eli” Misner, Emma Boucher, Gabriel Miller, Elizabeth Klima; great-great-granddaughters, Tessa and Anastasia Santos-Rodriguez. Additionally, the foster daughters he raised, Danielle, Liya, Ashli and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Lila Fosgate; his siblings, three brothers and three sisters; son, Bradly Jon Fosgate; grandchildren, Leah Burch, Aaron Albertson, and Erica Albertson; and great-grandson, Caleb Fosgate.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Gene Albertson and Twin Ports Health Services, of Superior, for taking such loving care of Kenneth in his final years.

Burials will be in the Fosgate Family Plot in Greenwood Cemetery in Cable, WI and a graveside service with full military honors at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO at later dates.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5 ^th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guest book, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com .