Kenneth W. Oldenburg

Kenneth W. Oldenburg, age 88, passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at Ridgewood Care Center. Ken was born in Racine, September 19, 1923, son of the late Oscar and Olivia (Nee: Hansen) Oldenburg.

On September 25, 1943, he was united in marriage to Ruth V. Keller at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Racine. She preceded him in death, January 5, 2012. Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy September 30, 1943, during World War II with the Seabees. He proudly served his country until December 8, 1945. Following his service, Ken was employed by the Racine Fire Department for 29 years, retiring as captain from Station #2 on December 31, 1978. While working for the fire department, he also was employed by Coryell Nursery for 25 years as a landscaper and decorated the Wheary home for the Christmas light display in North Bay. After retiring from the fire department, Ken and Ruth moved to St. Germain, WI, and enjoyed 25 years in the northwoods, returning to Racine in 2004 to be closer to their family.

Ken was a member of Community United Church of Christ of St. Germain, WI, and was the chairman of the men’s fellowship for more than 17 years. He was the auctioneer for the men’s fellowship fundraiser, served as head of the organizing committee to build the St. Germain Veteran’s Memorial Wall and sold bricks for the wall. While in St. Germain, Ken started collecting aluminum tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in Marshfield, WI, with people around the country donating tabs along with UCC church, millions of tabs were collected. In northern Wisconsin, Ken was known as Mr. Tab. Bring your tabs to the memorial service.

Ken was a member of the Lion’s Club of St. Germain. He received many awards including the Melvin Jones Award, one of the highest awards given by the Lion’s Club. He enjoyed fishing, boating, horseshoes, woodworking, coin collecting, softball, bowling, cooking for the chamber of commerce, Lion’s Club and church activities throughout the years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packer fan. Ken’s daughter, Jan, had the privilege and honor of accompanying her Dad on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on April 28, 2012. He was a true American hero. Ken was known for his wonderful sense of humor. He always made people laugh and always had a joke to tell. His greatest love was his wife and his daughters. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.

Ken is survived by his daughters, Barbara (Robert) Hosch of Wind Lake, Karin (Jim) Roberson, Janice Knecht, all of Racine; four grandchildren, Joanne (John) Herrmann, Holly (Brian) Tuinstra, Heather (Ian) Bagley, Kenneth (Jessica) Roberson; six great-grandchildren, Matthew, Nicholas, Jordan, Carly, Makenna and Sawyer; sister-in-law, Vi Oldenburg of Milwaukee; brother-in-law, Herb Kauth; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Ken was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Ed Knecht; brothers, Ronald Oldenburg, Howard (Ruth) Oldenburg; and sister, Virginia (Irving) Henricksen.

Memorial services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 3:30 p.m., with Rev. Kara Baylor officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home Saturday from 2 p.m. until time of service at 3:30 p.m. Those wishing to remember Ken in a special way may direct memorials to Stars and Stripes Honor Flight-Port Washington, WI, Ronald McDonald House-Marshfield, WI, or Community United Church of Christ-St. Germain, WI.

The Oldenburg family would like to express their gratitude to the 2 East staff and the Activity Department staff at Ridgewood Care Center for their attentive care and gentle manner shown to Ken over the past few years.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine   (262) 634-7888