Obituary of Kenneth M. Uznanski

Kenneth M. Uznanski, Jr. (52) passed away on July 7, 2014, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. A native of Illinois, Ken attended Joliet Catholic High and graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1983 with a BA degree in Economics. In 1998, Ken moved to Bismarck, North Dakota and began his career at NDDOT as their only state rail planner. While working for NDDOT, Ken met his wife, Laurel, who he married in June 1993. In 1992, Ken moved to Olympia and began his career with the WSDOT as rail planner, and was quickly promoted to Rail Passenger Manager. Under Ken’s leadership, the first Talgo train arrived in Washington State on a demonstration grant. Extremely successful, it pushed the WSDOT Rail Office into the national spotlight, resulting in Ken receiving the AASHTO President’s award in Rail Transportation in 1996. Ken was promoted to the Manager of the Rail Office in 1996 and remained in that position until 2007. In 2007, the WSDOT rail office was restructured and Ken became the Rail Passenger Manager until his departure in 2009. Shortly after, he began working for Amtrak and was with Amtrak until 2012. Severe health issues kept Ken from an active professional life during the past couple of years. Ken was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. Ken loved all things sports, but especially loved watching Matthew play baseball and Peyton play fastpitch, basketball, and volleyball. In addition, Ken spent many a Saturday and Sunday with his children watching Notre Dame football, hockey, basketball, and fastpitch. Ken will be missed greatly by his family and friends. Ken is survived by his wife, Laurel (Laber); son, Matthew; daughter, Peyton; mother, Joan (Pisarski) Uznanski, Shoreview, MN; brother, Kevin (Kristin), Manchester, CT; sisters, Kathyrn (Gary) Watson, Raleigh, NC and Karen (John) Knutson, Hugo, MN; his mother-in-law, Marie (Huss) Laber, Carrington, ND; Laurel’s siblings and their partners, Leonard Laber, Carrington, ND; Margaret (John) Wall, Wahpeton, ND; Louise (Joe) Potocki, Bismarck, ND; Mark (Tina) Laber, Carrington, ND; Jennifer (Doug) Wede, Carrington, ND; Ben (Judy Leonard) Laber, Granville, ND; Frank Laber, Sykeston, ND; and several nieces and nephews. Ken is preceded in death by his dad, Dr. Kenneth M. Uznanski, Sr.; his father-in-law, Leo A. Laber; and his brother-in-law, Merlin J. Laber. Friends and family are invited to a public viewing at Funeral Alternatives, 2830 Willamette Drive NE, Lacey, WA 98516, on Sunday, July 13, 2014, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Services will be held at St. Michael Parish, 1208 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA, on July 14, 2014, 12:00 Noon, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation, American Heart Association, or a charity of donor’s choice. For other tributes to Ken, please see: http://allaboardwashington.org/2014/07/08/ken-uznanski-nationally-respected-passenger-rail-leader-passes-away/ http://allaboardwashington.org/2014/07/08/passenger-rail-lost-a-leader-and-friend-on-july-7/ Please leave memories of Ken or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.