Obituaries

Ken passed away on May 30, 2022 after an extended illness. He was 71 years old.

Ken was born August 23, 1950 to Raymond and Marie Schaffer at Fort Richardson, Alaska, where Ray was stationed after WW2. After Ray retired from the Army, the family returned to Hilbert, Wisconsin where he grew up. Ken grew up on the family farm in Hilbert as well as in Chilton, surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. He graduated from Chilton High School in 1968. A life long intellect and amateur historian, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Broad Area Social Studies from UW-Whitewater and an MBA from Edgewood College.

Ken met his wife, Tina, April 26, 1976 on the stairs of their shared apartment building in Madison. The couple wed on September 11, 1976 at St Thomas Catholic Church in Montfort and moved to Middleton. May 31, 1978 they welcomed son Geoff. On January 22, 1983, daughter Laura was born. In March of that year, the family moved into their home in Madison where Tina and Geoff still live.

Summers when the kids were young were spent running around outside and playing catch. At the end of the day, Ken insisted on washing the kids’ feet, though Laura was certain it was just because he wanted to tickle their feet. Ken was known to his nieces and nephews as “The Tickle Monster”

Ken was an active participant in his children’s scouting experiences, serving as “Popcorn Kernel” and Assistant Scout Master for Troop 420, Geoff’s Boy Scout troop. The pair also participated in a trip to Sea Base in Florida.

He drove Laura to the council office for many Girl Scout events over the years, and volunteered at the Kon-Tiki Regatta, hosted by Laura’s high school Girl Scout troop MS Kon-Tiki 523. Ken was dismayed, however, that the watermelons he bought were getting thrown in the lake instead of eaten at dinner.

Ken and Tina loved to travel, including visiting family in Florida and vacationing in Las Vegas. He was obsessed with buying a t-shirt or two for every place he visited.

Ken was an avid reader, including sci-fi, historical books and the Harry Potter series. He loved puzzles, including jigsaws, cross words and crypto-quotes. His favorite TV shows included The Big Bang Theory, CSI, NCIS and shows about Alaska, where he was born. Ken’s favorite movies were Willow and The Incredibles. His favorite characters were Donald Duck, the Grinch, Dr Sheldon Cooper and Mr. Incredible. He loved rum and cokes and old fashioneds. Ken loved spicy food and had a collection of hot sauces, joined by son Geoff in his passion for hot peppers. He loved to cook on the grill and make chili and his favorite soups, Navy Bean and Beef Barley. Ken was a daily coffee drinker and loved Caramel Frappuccinos that Laura got him hooked on.

Ken was a stamp and coin collector, focused on US Postage and state quarters. He was a member of the Badger Stamp Club along with Geoff, participating in club meetings and attending coin and stamp shows.

Ken worked at Oscar Mayer/Kraft Foods for 37 years, starting as a security guard and finishing in customer financial services. He spent his retirement working on his hobbies, spending time with family and letting the dog in and out, or as he put it, “being Buddy’s doorman.”

Ken was proceeded in death by his parents, many aunts, uncles and cousins; family dogs Pepper and Sadie.

Ken will be remembered for his wicked sense of humor and intellect.

Ken is survived by wife, Tina; son Geoff, Geoff’s fiance Nancy and their son William; daughter Laura and her cat, Kit Mischief; family dog Buddy; Aunt Marie; brother Ray Jr and his family; former sister in law Vickie and a whole ton of Schaffer cousins, siblings in law and nieces and nephews on Tina’s side of the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Boy Scouts of America; Girl Scouts of Badgerland Council attention MS Kon-Tiki 523; your favorite animal shelter/rescue organization. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000