Kenneth Zysko of Kerrville, Texas, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 28, 2026. He was born on January 9, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bertha and John Zysko.

Ken attended Reavis High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and later studied at Loyola before continuing his education at St. Mary's College in Winona, Minnesota. It was there that he met Bonnie Pahnke, the love of his life, at a local diner. They were married on November 30, 1963, beginning a devoted marriage that would span 62 years, during which they created a beautiful family and raised three children together.

Shortly after their wedding, the happy couple moved to Chicago, where Ken deployed and served in the United States Navy for two years. Upon return to Chicago, he began working for Johnson & Johnson and was eventually transferred to Sherman, TX. As a dreamer and natural entrepreneur, Ken sought a business venture with his best friend in Kerrville, TX, owning and operating an RV park. He then pursued his law degree from Texas Tech University, practicing law in Kerrville for many years.

After retiring from law, Ken went on to be the Executive Director of the Raphael Clinic in Kerrville. He would always tell his grandchildren that he was still figuring out what he wanted to be when he grew up, and in the end, his final job became his most meaningful work. He retired at the age of 81.

Ken's heart was generous and God-fearing. He never knew a stranger, was personable and kind, humorous, and saw potential everywhere. One of his defining qualities was his ability to share the Gospel with love and gentleness. Whenever life got heavy, Ken was quick to remind us, ''If everything were perfect here on earth, then we wouldn't need heaven.

He was a devoted husband and a loving father - bringing Bonnie flowers every Friday. As part of their morning routine, they would share coffee and a morning devotional.

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Ken share in his family's loss, as we know he brought each of you a little more joy to your day. We know you will miss him too, and we thank you for loving him.

An outdoorsman at heart, Ken found solace in fly fishing, boating, and hiking. He restored a Cabin Cruiser to enjoy on Lake Michigan and later learned how to sail and enjoyed teaching his daughters how to tack and navigate on Lake Texoma and later Canyon Lake. Sailing brought Ken much peace- a sport that came naturally to him.

Ken is survived by his wife Bonnie of 62 years, eldest daughter Lisa Bakke and granddaughter Olivia of San Antonio, daughter Lori and husband Kevan Harris of Kerrville, granddaughter Katherine and husband Dolan Motter of Dallas, grandson Christian Harris of Dallas, son John Zysko and wife Tara and their children Audrey and Kade of Lubbock. He is also survived by his sisters Susan Antonopoulos and Debra Sorensen.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Peterson Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Raphael Clinic or Peterson Hospice.

A private family service will be held at Fort Sam Houston in late March.

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