Kenneth J. Gould, age 86, lifelong resident of Joliet, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Survived by his devoted wife of 66 years Vanette (nee Lennon), his children Mark (Lori) Gould, Lynn (Jim) Samalea, Michelle Hartseil, Brett (Jackie) Gould, Erik "Ponny" (Randal Engelmann) Gould, Erin (Mark) Mynatt, his grandchildren Kellen Gould, Kyleigh (Nick Holmes) Gould, Nathan (Gosia) Hartseil, Kelli Mores, Karri (Christian) Conroy, Taryn (Matt) Morthland, Benjamin Gould, Trevor Gould, Evan Gould, Nolan (Rachael) Mynatt, Ryleigh Mynatt, and McGuire Mynatt, great grandchildren Hadley, Charlotte, Parker, Reese, Cadyn, Quinn, Kinley and Leighton, brother-in-law Terry (Kay) Lennon, sister-in-law Janice Gould, his best friend Rocky Carnaghi, numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful canine companion "Luke" who passed away one day later on Sunday, July 24, 2022 of a broken heart. Preceded in death by his parents Edward and Margaret (nee Morrison) Gould, his son Kurt Gould, his sister and brother-in-law Rosemary and Leonard Martis, his brothers Edward "Teddy" Gould Jr., Donald Gould, Gerald Gould and his nephew Kevin Martis. Kenny graduated form Joliet Catholic High School Class of 1955 where he excelled at basketball, baseball and football. Kenny met his wife Vanette Lennon who attended St. Francis Academy at this time. Ken and Van married in 1956 and grew their beautiful big family. Kenny worked for his dad at Gould Excavating for a number of years before teaming up with his brother Jerry in owning and operating the business until he retired in 1998. Kenny had a passion for coaching, he coached basketball for St. John the Baptist grade school throughout his kids educational career. Kenny also coached the Joliet Raiders Football team along with his friend Rocky. Ken was a proud lifetime member of Local 150 Operating Engineers and the Joliet Moran A.C. Ken enjoyed fishing, attending Joliet Catholic football games and Lewis University basketball games with his two buddies Rocky and Paul Ruddy. After moving from May Street to their home with a pool, Kenny took up the bull horn and played lifeguard for the grandkids. Ken was a hardworking man whose work ethic will be an example to all who knew him. He was a simple man who enjoyed an occasional cold beer, a quiet chat, taking in a white sox game and spending time with his dog and his family. The Gould family would like to thank Kenny's friends Rocky and Jim & Carol Witty for their frequent visits and unfailing friendship, Transitions Hospice for the love, care and support they showed Ken and his entire family throughout Ken's journey and his caregiver Charity Deliva who lifted Kenny's spirits and helped bring joy to Ken and the entire family this last year. Private family services were held however, condolences can be directed to the family on Kenny's obituary by visiting www.forsythegouldfh.com. Memorials in Kenny's name may be made to Transitions Hospice, 1551 Bond St., Suite 143, Naperville, IL 60563 or to the Danny Did Foundation by visiting www.dannydid.org. Kenny and Luke will be laid to rest next to Kenny's son Kurt at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Joliet. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.fosythegouldfh.com.