Ken Rosenbaum, 74, of Valparaiso, a skilled machinist with a lifelong passion for engineering, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Born on February 22, 1950, Ken was known for his hands-on expertise, his love of tractors and motorcycles, and his natural gift for teaching, which he shared with family, friends, and colleagues throughout his life. Like all of Ken’s projects, his gardening was approached from an engineering perspective. Numerous raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, berries of every sort and even the lawn were planned methodically and maintained immaculately with the harvest being processed, canned and stored on site each year. Ken’s passion for engineering led him to establish Impala Machine and Tool, which he owned and operated for 15 years. It was more than just a business; it was a true family endeavor. Together with his wife, Debby, and supported by family members, Ken built Impala Machine and Tool into a thriving business that reflected his dedication to hard work, craftmanship, and teaching. His family was deeply involved in the business, and Ken took great pride in working alongside them.
A devoted husband to Debby, a loving father to Holly and Heidi, and a proud grandfather to five cherished grandchildren: Nate, Nicholas & Jacob Duzan, Logan & Emma Riddle, loyal brother to: Milly (Tom) Cloyd, Christine Rosenbaum & Sherry Pullins, and uncle to Joel & Jason Sheets, Amanda Pezan, Nichole & Chad Pullins, Ken treasured his family above all. Whether working on a new project or spending time with loved ones, Ken’s warmth, expertise, and boundless curiosity made an impact on everyone around him.
A visitation will be held Saturday, November 16th from 11 am – 1 pm at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso with funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm and burial to follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
GUESTBOOK
My heart goes out to all of you. Ken was a favorite of Bud and his boys. He always had a smile. Debby I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Love, -Bits Darda
My sincerest condolences Debby and family. Having worked with him at TFT, I know what a hardworking and compassionate person Ken was. He certainly was proud of his family and spoke of all of you often. I enjoyed my time working with Ken and I know he will be deeply missed. -Diana Thomas
Deepest heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Rosenbaum, and to Ken's extended family as well. Hopefully, the memories you all have of your lives with Ken will help as you deal with your loss. I met Ken in the early 1970's when he was a student at Vincennes University. I was the Machine Trades Department Chair and one Ken's Professors. He was a very nice young man and one of my best students. He and I visited by phone not so long ago. I am saddened to learn of his passing. -John P. Tilley - Brazil, Indiana
