Kenneth H. Stiemke
Ken graduated from Waunakee High School in 1960. He then joined the Army and served eight years in the Army Reserve. He was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of sergeant.
He became a union plumber in Madison, then later as a Master Plumber before working for the State in the Plumbing Bureau, retiring after 20 years of service.
Ken loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and trapping. He and his wife Donna spent their retirement years on their 80 wooded acres in Adams county. He was an avid motorcyclist, participating in scrambles, enduros and hill climbs. He also participated in Cowboy Action Shooting and was a life member of the NRA and the Single Action Shooting Society as well as a member of the American Legion.
He and Donna loved fishing together – traveling to Canada, Northern Wisconsin and local lakes in hot pursuit of walleye, bluegills and perch, and taking their many trips to Florida.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Herbert and Sylvia Stiemke, his sister and brother-in-law Marsha and Fred Rogers of Woodville, Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife Donna Stiemke, son Kurt (Melissa) Stiemke of Madison, daughter Kristen (Terry) Hardesty of Columbus, Wisconsin, son Donald (Shannon) Stiemke of Madison and his six grandchildren: Rianna, Conner and Autumn (Kris and Terry), Charlie, Jack and Sam (Don and Shannon), his three step children: Tracy (Dave) Erickson of Sauk City, Wisconsin, Renee (Donnie) Ripp of Poynette, Wisconsin, and Jim (Tracy) Ripp of Poynette, Wisconsin and in-laws Jerry (Hazel) Zimbric, Jon (Barbara, deceased) Zimbric and Carrie (Stan) Statz all of Waunakee.
The family will celebrate Ken’s life with friends and family sometime this spring.
Ken was a very good friend of Mine. Having met about 10 or 12 years ago, we struck a deal where I could hunt his land, in trade for trail clearing and food plots. As the years progressed we grew a deep mutual fondness and respect for each other and genuinely enjoy our time together. About 2 years ago , as Donna had gone to assisted living, he offered for me to buy his land, and later his whole estate. A dream property of mine. House With 80 acres and out buildings etc. I bought the land, and extended and immediate and perpetual invitation for him to come out any time he wished. He would often come once a week. We would enjoy a beer and a golf cart ride, and just enjoy a quick view of the nature that abounds here. To say I will miss Ken, is a vast understatement. My father having passed some 26 years ago, and my grand fathers long gone. He seemed to fill a void. Rest easy Ken , Rest easy…
Donna, I am sorry to hear about Ken. I hope you have lots of loving support. I still miss John (I always will) so I know what you’re going through. I’m sending you my love and sympathy.
What a privilege it was to get to know Ken. He was such a wonderful kind hearted man. It’s an honor to of gotten so close with him during his time at Liberty. He was more then a resident, he became family. Forever missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace sweet man, and please know your sweety is in good hands.
A wonderful man gone to soon. I loved him like a grandfather not just a Resident in fact myself and another were his adopted granddaughters and he was our grandfather of liberty. We will miss seeing him every day😢..but don’t you worry Gramps we will take good care of your beautiful Donna Marie❤️ my prayers and condolences go to all his family
I have so many memories of Kenny in my life of fishing, hunting, talking, and yes, drinking beer together… The guy was, ( for me) a true “reality check” on life. Gonna miss him like crazy
I enjoyed seeing him and taking care of him with his time at liberty Village he was a great person and friend he was family we will all miss him
Ken was a great person and a pleasure to visit with, we always talked about hunting, and never a visit went bye without talking trapping. He taught me alot of different techniques he used which I still use today. Will certainly miss him, our condolences go out to Donna and family. Rest in peace Ken, Randy & Nona
Loved him to death! I taked to him weekly taking his grocery order for delivery. He had become an old friend, even the short time I knew him!!! My condolences to you and your family!
Kens family,
He was one of my favorite plan reviewers and really enjoyed time with Kenny.
I’m sending prayers and good vibrations from Western Wisconsin.
Wishing you all my best,
Lynita Docken
Ken was a wonderful man. I was a caregiver for him and he was always so thankful and kind. Singing Elvis songs to Donna with us gals and just having a good time. I am so sorry for the family’s loss of this wonderful man. God sure gained a great angel.