Kennneth K. Baze

Kenneth K. Baze, 93, of Geneseo passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017, at Hammond Henry Hospital, Geneseo, Illinois. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory, Geneseo. Reverend Laura Kamprath will officiate. Inurnment will take place at North Cemetery in Geneseo, IL. Military Honors will be conducted by the Don Cherry VFW Post 5083. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at the funeral home. Memorials may be left to the Kenneth Baze Memorial Fund.

Kenneth was born on December 5, 1923, the son of Robert and Ella (Hamann) Baze, in Osco, IL. Kenneth married Loretta J. Verheye-Mille on July 25, 1953, in Geneseo, IL. Kenneth is a veteran of the United States Army. He worked for Offerlie Oil Company as a mechanic and tire repairman, and then worked for Skelly Oil Company for many years. After his retirement, he worked part-time for Wirth Inc. Kenneth was an avid baseball fan, especially loving the Chicago Cubs! He enjoyed playing baseball during his younger years. Kenneth also loved fishing and spending time with his family. Kenneth attended First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, IL.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Loretta Baze; his children, Nancy (Dr. Joseph) Ortenzio, New Middletown, OH, Daniel (Trish) Mille, Matthews, NC, Debbie (Jerry) Hart, Cordova, IL, and Kim (Fran) Baze, Rockford, IL. Kenneth’s grandchildren are Rebecca (Dave) Lee, Aaron (Tamu) Ortenzio, Adam (Amanda) Mille, Kate (Matthew) Harrison, Shauna (Robert) Thoene, Joshua Hart, Kelly Hart, and Zachary Hart. Kenneth was blessed with six great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Ella, two brothers, and one sister.

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