Ned Kessenich

Ned Kessenich was a quiet seeker, a natural caregiver, and a man who found his deepest peace outdoors under open skies. He passed on Sunday, January 18, held in the love of his family and the compassionate care of his devoted end-of-life coach.

Born on May 14, 1954, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, to Peter and Jane Kessenich, Ned’s early life was rooted on Madison’s east side near Alder Road. He carried fond memories of his childhood years in Monona—memories that stayed close to him throughout his life. He attended Immaculate Heart of Mary School, McFarland High School, and UW–Parkside.

What mattered most to Ned was not status or achievement, but connection—to the land, to people, and to something larger than himself. One of his greatest passions was cycling. From the seat of his bike, he logged countless miles across the hills and backroads of the Driftless Region, where movement, solitude, and landscape came together. A highlight of this passion was cycling the Pyrenees mountain range in southern France. He also loved hiking the hills of Devil’s Lake and Blue Mounds; camping excursions to Rock Island and Lake Superior; walking the prairie near his home in Verona at sunrise; and spending time near the lakes of northern Wisconsin, which always drew him back.

Nature was Ned’s sanctuary. Farms, barns, country roads, and wild places anchored him in memories of youth and family—especially time spent with his grandparents and uncle. He often recalled being trusted, as a child, to travel to Loon Lake with his brother Mark and Uncle Paul, a memory that remained vivid and meaningful. The sound of loons, in particular, held deep significance for Ned—an echo of calm, continuity, and belonging that he carried with him.

Ned was also an adventurer in quieter, surprising ways. As a teenager, a trip to Guatemala with his older brother had a lasting influence on how he viewed the world. Through his work with Blaney Seed Company—where he was employed from his teenage years through his mid-twenties—he traveled multiple times to Hawaii. In the late ’80s, he developed a passion for sailing local lakes and the Pacific Ocean. Closer to home, he loved day trips along Wisconsin’s county roads, navigating with a Wisconsin Gazetteer and listening to Stan Rogers, letting curiosity set the route.

Though work was never central to how Ned defined himself, he spent many years with the City of Madison, retiring in 2018. More important than any job title was how he showed up for others. Ned was an extraordinary caregiver, especially to his grandmother Flossie and his mother Jane in their later years, and to his brother Mark. Stories of his patience, attentiveness, and compassion are many. In his own quiet way, he gave freely of himself.

Ned was a lifelong spiritual seeker. He found meaning in the writings of Emmet Fox, Alan Watts, Wayne Dyer, Byron Katie, and in the work of the HeartMath Institute. This spiritual curiosity shaped his relationships and how he moved through the world. “Monk-cle Ned,” as he was affectionately called, earned that name honestly—often visiting a nearby natural area each evening to sit with the sunset, reconnecting with stillness and the Oneness of all.

He also loved to read, to think, and to nurture others. Through his gentle presence, he influenced and supported the growth of his nieces and nephews, sharing time, attention, and care without fanfare.

In his final months, Ned returned—emotionally and spiritually—to the story of his birth. He often reflected on being born at SSM and on the story of his mother seeing an angel at the window while in labor. During his hospitalization last fall, he felt held by that same love. He formed meaningful bonds with his medical team and later with his hospice caregivers, meeting each with gratitude, openness, and a positive spirit grounded in deep love. Even as his health declined, he extended compassion and forgiveness to those caring for him.

Ned is survived by his son and his six siblings; many nieces and nephews; and a grandniece and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, nephew, and sister; his grandparents; and his uncle.

Those who knew Ned will remember a man who lived gently, loved deeply, and found meaning not in loud moments, but in presence—in nature, in care, and in quiet connection.

In keeping with Ned’s wishes and his contemplative spirit, there will be no public memorial service. He will be remembered quietly, in love, and in the many lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers and cards, the family invites you to honor Ned’s memory with a donation to Friends of the Military Ridge State Trail—a place where Ned spent many peaceful hours cycling and communing with nature.

Individual contributions may be made at: https://www.friendsofmilitaryridgetrail.org/donate.html

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257