Obituaries

Kenneth "Ken" V. Gmeinder

July 08, 1950 - January 26, 2024

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Obituary For Kenneth "Ken" V. Gmeinder

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

Services

5 Feb

Visitation

04:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes – Madison West 5701 Odana Road Madison, WI 53719 Get Directions »
6 Feb

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM

Good Shepherd parish at St. James Catholic Church 1204 St. James Court Madison, WI 53715 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • April 12, 2024

    I just noticed this Obituary for Ken Gmeinder. The Gmeinder's were neighbors from across the alley from our Family. I remember them playing ball in their yard. My Very deep Condolences to his wife, children and the Gmeinder Family. Rest in Peace Ken Gmeinder. Your suffering is over.

  • February 09, 2024

    So sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was always so friendly and kind. I enjoyed working with him on Parish committees and school functions. God bless him. He will be missed. Mary and Tom French

  • February 08, 2024

    Even though we only meet a few years back. I was blessed to have meet you. I will miss your smiles and seeing you walking around our complex.

  • February 04, 2024

    Rest in Peace Dear Uncle.. Thank you for being so good to us growing up. We will miss you.. Thomas,

  • February 03, 2024

    Please accept our condolences on the loss of a wonderful husband, father and friend to so many. We hope your memories bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead. Janet and Michael Bates

  • February 01, 2024

    I was deeply saddened last year to learn of Ken's struggle with cancer. I had only met him twice and there was never a doubt as to his total love and devotion to his family My son, Joey, married his daughter, Julie, and over the years I expressed my utmost joy that Joey was so lovingly "adopted" into the wonderful Gmeinder family. Since our family lives so far away, I was thrilled at how he had obviously felt so at home in Madison, especially during football games. How could he not be with the tone set by Ken. Being so loved as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend by so many, I can pray and offer solace to everyone to think of Ken as being on the final leg of the journey that we all will take. The hope and faith we share is that one day we will all be together again in our eternal home with Our Heavenly Father. Blessings to Sue and Family, Pat Kull

  • February 01, 2024

  • February 01, 2024

    My deepest condolences on the passing of Ken. He was my brother's father-in-law and the joy and laughter Ken brought to any situation will be terribly missed, especially during the Packers and Virginia Tech football games that Ken and Joey often watched together. Ken passes on a great legacy with his girls and grandchildren, as well as with those close to him. Keeping the Gmeinder Family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With much love, Courtney and Ben Rocha

  • January 31, 2024

    I worked with Kenny in Housekeeping at St. Mary's and played city league basketball with him. Always upbeat And fun to always be with. He will be missed very much. Timothy Verberkmoes 9877 Hawks Nest Dr Verona WI 53593

  • January 31, 2024

    It is difficult to put Ken's loss into words. Our hearts go out to Sue and family. When you two were introduced so many years ago-we knew you would be soulmates. Ken's humorous side was always evident in his interactions with friends as was his love of family and his faith. Bill and Holly

  • January 31, 2024

    Sue, So sorry to hear of your loss. We very much appreciated Ken and his fine quality work. He was a terrific guy. David & Marsha Shaw

  • January 31, 2024

    I send Sue and Ken's daughters and his siblings my sincerest sympathy. Ken was a great friend of my brother, Bob Lumina. They spent a lot of time at our family home as kids. "Kenny G" was always so nice to me, especially when my brother didn't want his little sister around. As an adult whenever I saw Kenny, he was always so friendly and fun to talk to. He was a great guy. It was a pleasure to know him. Rest in peace, Kenny. Mary Lou Lumina Keyser

  • January 31, 2024

    Dear Sue and Family. Sad to hear of Ken's passing. He was great in so many ways. Will be at rest in God's comforting and compassionate care. Will be in our thoughts and prayers. In Florida so unable to attend service, but thinking of you at this difficult time. Dave & Nancy Topp

  • January 31, 2024

    My sincere condolences to Kenny's(as I knew him) family. May he rest in peace. Jim Parisi

  • January 31, 2024

    Sue and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was a great guy with a wonderful family. Our thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to you all. Diane and Tom Kramer

  • January 31, 2024

    My condolences to the Gmeinder family. Ken was a true professional and a pleasure to work with. He sided our home, our neighbor's home, and many of the homes in our neighborhood. He was a true gem. -- Cheryl and Steve

  • January 30, 2024

    Sue, our sincere condolences to you and your family. Ken was a great guy and will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • January 29, 2024

    To my dear brother in law and Rich's brother, we are thankful that we had the time we did with you as we cherish the fond memories over so many years. You have shown us that life is precious with your kindness, sense of humor, and all that you have done for so many. You are missed but will never be forgotten. Rich & Pat

Tributes

  • Dawn of Remembrance Basket

    Dawn of Remembrance Basket was sent for Kenneth "Ken" V. Gmeinder - February 02, 2024

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