Kenneth “Ken” Gajeski
Kenneth “Ken” Gajeski, a man of service & faith, age 86, left this mortal world on November 7, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his family, following his third bout with pneumonia due to silent aspiration. We would love for those who knew Ken to come & honor his life with us at Proko-Wall Funeral Home.
Ken grew up on the family farm in the Town of De Pere, born to the late Anton and Gertrude (Huempfner) Gajewski, he was the second youngest of 12 and graduated from Denmark High School in 1954. After graduation Ken joined the US Army serving during the Korean War; upon completion of service in 1958, he was honorably discharged. He married the former Annette Schommer on September 13, 1958, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pine Grove. He went on to become a state registered Designer of Electrical Engineering Systems (Electrical Illuminations) by the State of Wisconsin. In 1965 a position opened with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department where Ken applied and became an officer, fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a policeman. After 28 years of service, he retired in 1993 as a Lieutenant in the Investigation Division.
He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, leisure life, hunting & fishing at the cottage, attending his wife’s singing concerts, his children’s and subsequently his three youngest granddaughters school activities, musical and sporting events. He enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with Annette, especially the two to Alaska. Mostly Ken enjoyed spending time with his family and putzing on projects at the cottage. He was also an avid Packers fan, season ticket holder since 1957, ushered on game days in his younger years and proudly provided security for the Packers during his tenure with the Sheriff’s Department. Ken was also a life-long member of the De Pere American Legion Post # 230 and the De Pere Men’s Club.
Ken is survived and celebrated by his wife of 64 years, Annette and their children: Kevin Gajeski, San Diego CA; Trudi Gajeski-Kryzanek and Jayne and William Voelker; five granddaughters: Kamie (Zach) Gribben, CA; Angela (Kyle) Klostka, ID; Morgan Kryzanek; Megan and Samantha Voelker; four great-grandchildren: Ethan and Allison Gribben, Jessica and Sean Klostka; Ken is also survived by his sister, Rita Greatens; brothers, Robert and Clark (Ann); sister-in-law, Betty Gajewski; nieces, nephews and many life-long friends.
He was preceded in death by sisters: Arlene; Marcella (Bernie) Thompson; Evelyn (Robert) Dahlke; Mary Ann (Ralph) Watzka and Ethel (William) Hansford and brothers: Tony (Angie), Jack (Elaine) and Gerald.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. on Monday, November 14, from 3:00-7:00 pm. with a parish wake service closing the evening at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere, from 9:30 -10:45 am. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Tuesday at the church with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Entombment in the Wall of Honor at the Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to Ken’s family at www.prokowall.com.
Ken’s family would like to thank the entire staff at Unity Hospice in De Pere for their kind and compassionate care shown to Ken and his family during his last days.