Kenneth Schmelzer

Madison-Kenneth L. "Red" Schmelzer, age 59, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Madison on November 14, 1955, the son of Patrick and Marie (Kosharek) Schmelzer. He graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1973 and was employed by Raymond P. Cattell Inc. and was a member of the LIUNA Local 464. Ken was very proud of the concrete work that he did in the Madison area and truly enjoyed working with the Cattell crew. Ken had a passion for racing and was crew chief for Jerry Wood of Wood Brothers Racing. The entire racing family meant the world to him.

Ken is survived by his two sons, Matthew of Mazomanie and Chad (Erica Turley) of Madison; two beautiful grandchildren, Dylan and Mackenzie. He is also survived by six brothers and sisters: Rick (Pam), Michael, Nancy (Gary Scott) of Sun Prairie; Karen (Duane Tamminga), Jerry (Marybeth Haynes) of DeForest and Linda Bollig of McFarland. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews that will miss him dearly. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Doug Bollig.

Ken had many amazing friends throughout the years, especially Jerry and Debra Wood, Bob Vohs and Jimmy Ryan, Gary Swalheim and Jim Sponem. A true friend reaches for your hand and touches your hearta "

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. OLAF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 623 Jefferson St, DeForest, at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2015, with Msgr. Delbert Schmelzer and Fr. Vince Brewer officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to thank Dr. Shannon O'Mahar of Dean Oncology and Agrace Hospice.

"Strong Like Bull"

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250