It is with great sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Kenneth “Ken” V. Gmeinder, long time resident of Madison, Wisconsin (and most recently Cambridge, WI, and St. George, UT) on Friday, January 26 at the age of 73. Following a brave battle with cancer, Ken died at home surrounded by his family.

Ken will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Susan; children: Laura (John) Mattek, Erin (Matt) Eberhardt, and Julie (Joey) Kull; grandchildren: Ethan, Amelia, Eleanor and Juliette; brothers: Rich (Pat), Frank (Jean), Tom (Jill); and sister, Sr Joan Gmeinder; mother-in-law, Colleen Schubring; brother-in-laws: Mark (Carole) Schubring, Paul (Liz) Schubring and John (Elsa) Schubring; sister-in-laws: Mary (Pete) McKean and Clare (Greg) Boyle; as well as numerous relatives, friends and best buddy Mark Coronna. Ken will also be dearly missed by friends at the Knights of Columbus Council 531.

Ken was preceded in death by his mothers Ramona (Fahey) and Frances (Ganser), father, Francis (Mike), father-in-law Bernard (Bud) Schubring, Godfather Greg Gmeinder, Godmother Mary Myers and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ken was born July 8,1950 in Madison, WI. He attended St James Catholic School, Edgewood High School (1968) and graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Marketing and Business (1972). In 1975 he married Susan Schubring, the love of his life, with whom he raised 3 beautiful daughters. Ken worked for Gmeinders Home Service, the family siding business, which he eventually took over after his dad’s retirement. He was also a devout Catholic who enjoyed giving back. Ken volunteered for the Apostolate For Persons With Disabilities with Monsignor Tom Campion, delivered Meals on Wheels for elderly and served many years on the St James Catholic Church Council. He was also very active with the Knights of Columbus Council 531, and served as a Grand Knight and treasurer.

Ken’s work ethic and actions spoke volumes; but he mainly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, with whom he shared his great wit and sense of humor. To no one’s surprise, Ken cracked jokes right up to the end. In his free time he loved cheering on the Badgers and Packers and playing cards with his family and his Knights of Columbus buddies. He especially loved going to his grandchildren’s sporting events to cheer them on. In his last few years, Ken felt most at peace in St George, Utah, surrounded by mountains and blue skies and loved sharing his favorite place with all who visited.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 5, 2024 at Ryan Funeral Home, 5701 Odana Rd, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church, 1128 St. James Ct., Madison. A private burial will be held at the family’s request.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in Ken’s name to St. James Catholic School (404 E. Main St, Madison, 53703), the Apostolate For Persons With Disabilities (702 S. Highpoint Rd, Suite 225, Madison, WI 53719), Rainbow Hospice/ Community Care (147 W Rockwell St, Jefferson, WI 53549).

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the amazing team at Rainbow Hospice for their care, compassion, and for helping Ken laugh his way through this final chapter. A special thank you to Alicia, RN for all of her gentle care and compassion and Heather, care provider, with Home Instead. A special thank you to the many family and friends who offered prayers, love, food and support during this difficult time.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

Kenneth Gmeinder

July 08, 1950 - January 26, 2024

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