Kenneth Louis Kleuskens, 83, passed away February 1, 2021 at the Meng Unity Residence, following health complications unrelated to Covid-19. He was born in De Pere on August 7, 1937 to Ted and Nettie (Janssen) Kleuskens. On May 30, 1958, Ken married the love of his life, Yvonne Verber at the Old St. Joseph Church on the St. Norbert College campus.
At 21, Ken was the youngest journeyman plasterer in his union. At the same time, he worked as a papermaker at Fort Howard and retired from there after 37 years. He was a proud member of the 1st Air Scouts and the Knights of Columbus Abbot Pennings Council 3955.
Ken and Yvonne were avid travelers, visiting all 50 states and taking trips overseas. For nearly two decades, they wintered in Bullhead City, Arizona, where they made many great friends. Ken and Yvonne loved playing cards and bowling with friends. Ken enjoyed fishing, bowhunting and watching the Packers. He was proud to share that he attended the Ice Bowl with his brother Mel.
Ken is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Yvonne; children, Michael (Pam Hodgson), Karen Otto (Todd Belanger), Colleen Pinchart, Barbara (Daniel) Peterson and Patricia Kleuskens. He is further survived by his five grandchildren, Kelly Rusch, Kendall Kramer, Brian and Christopher Peterson, and Drew Otto; nine great-grandchildren; and other members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Nettie; five brothers, Harold (Pearl), Donald (Millie), Mel (Delores), Jim (Marge), Carl (Helen); sister Betty (Howard) Gilson; and Aunt Min.
A public visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 145 St. Joseph Drive, Hobart, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2021. Masks will be required in church.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Father Peter Renard, O.Praem. officiating. Entombment will take place at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Unity Hospice in Ken’s honor at www.unityhospice.org/donate. The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Prevea and Unity Hospice for their exceptional care of Ken over the past two years. |