Kenneth John Romell

Kenneth John Romell

Kenneth John Romell

Kenneth John Romell, 92, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin (formerly of Adams, Wisconsin) passed away on March 18, 2020, at Angels Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.
Kenneth Romell was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 5, 1928. He was the fourth son of Louis Charles and Kathryn June Romell. In 1931, the Romell family moved from their home in Superior, to the farm south of Adams just west of “Silo Corners.”
Kenneth attended grade school at Jackson, Jt. School Dist. #7, a single room school, for eight years. He then attended Adams-Friendship High Scholl and graduated in 1945.
In 1948, Ken left the farm and went to work for Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee. He was drafted into the Army in September 1950. He was sent to Fort Knox, then Camp Polk, Louisiana, as“filler” for the 45th Division which had just been activated. Ken was then placed in Headquarters Battery in the Radio Section. After basic training, the 45th Division was sent to Japan for field training, after which they were transferred to Korea replacing the 1st Calvary on the front line. Ken was rotated home in June 1952 with an honorable discharge in August. In 2014, Ken and his daughter Sheila, took the Honor Flight to Washington, DC to honor his service, and they returned home to a parade which over 50 of his family members and friends attended.
After trying a few different jobs, he decided to hire out on the CNW Railroad “for a couple of weeks.” Thirty-seven years later, he retired.
At about the time Ken hired out as railroad brakeman (and later conductor), he began paying the light bill at the REA. It was there he met the love of his life, Doris Romell, who worked in the office. His brother, Bob, often teased him for volunteering to pay the bill. Ken and Doris married on September 25, 1954, bringing their only child, Sheila, into the world in 1963.
In 1967, Doris and Ken purchased the Roche-a-Cri Drive-In, which they operated for three years, while they both maintained their full-time jobs.
After Ken retired from the railroad in 1990, he was elected to the Adams City Council. In 1999 he was elected Mayor of Adams, with his grandson, Erik, as his campaign manager. He held the office of mayor for ten years during which the City of Adams had many improvements including updates to the sewer and water structures. Ken also spent six years on the school board, and four years as a supervisor for the Town of Preston.
Ken had many interests, including hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, and spending time with friends and family. Ken enjoyed dining out and often took family and friends to a new “hot spot” he found during his travels. He knew the best Chinese restaurant in Milwaukee, where to find broasted ribs or drunken chicken, best custard, tastiest pizza, cheese fondue, great salad bars, and which restaurants served appetizers in the lounges. Ken also liked to travel with Doris to Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean, and Las Vegas. In later years, he traveled with Sheila and her family to Mexico quite often.
Ken was dearly loved by his family and many friends. He would often entertain them with songs on his harmonica or reciting poetry. He also loved a good game of cards. He had a positive attitude, a great sense of humor, and zest for life. He was 32nd Degree Mason as a member of the Adams Lodge, and many will remember buying chop suey tickets from him.
After Doris passed away in July 2019, Ken lived with Sheila and Dale, her husband, in Pewaukee. Ken had a bucket list and they became adventurers most weekends traveling to many different areas of the state.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Romell (Roberts), his parents, Louis Charles Romell and Kathryn June Romell (Engle), his brothers Ralph Romell and Robert Romell (Elizabeth), his sister-in-law Geraldine Romell (Louis), his brother-in-law Gale Roberts and his beloved nephew, Randal Roberts. He is survived by his daughter, Sheila Romell (Dale Vanden Heuvel), grandson Erik Vanden Heuvel, brother Louis Romell, sister-in-law Elizabeth Romell, sister-in-law Doris Roberts, nieces Sherry Haase (John), ), Carole LaForge, Cindy Roberts, Roxanne Romell, Rhonda Romell and nephew, Richard Romell (Kathy). He is also survived by grand nieces and nephews, and his many friends who will miss him.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be planned for later this spring/summer in Adams.

Bookmark the permalink.

Condolences

  1. Sam & Marilyn says:

    Sheila & Family, We will miss both your parents (Doris & Ken). They were a couple of wonderful people. It just seemed right that once your mother was gone that he would soon follow. Hopefully, the final days were peaceful. Oh yes, the chop suey tickets, We could always count on him to look us up to get ours. So glad we got to visit at Don’s gathering. Guess it was not meant to be, his 45th class reunion that is. Peace be with him & blessing to you & your family.

  2. Lisa Hess Guzman says:

    Sheila and Dale,
    Your Dad was an amazing man who looked at life as a wonderful opportunity to explore, learn, and live! He gave 100% in everything he did and did it with such class and grace. You, your mom, Ken‘s family and friends, and The community of Adams, were all so incredibly important to him. He wanted the best for all of you, and did everything he could to make that happen! He was so kind, caring, and is really missed.
    Sheila, you shared such a loving and close relationship with your dad. He was so proud of you. He was always so happy to be with you and Dale! Your dad was always smiling, embracing each adventure with you, and meeting it with his sense of humor! Your dad also knew he could count on you, that you were always there for him, and you were.
    …May the big band music continue to play, while your mom and dad continue to dance the night away!
    I love you.

  3. Bev J Ward says:

    So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed talking with Ken. He was interesting to talk to – knew so much. Prayers are with you.

  4. Jerry Reuterskiold says:

    Sheila and family, it is with a heavy heart that I say to you I’m sorry for your loss. Your dad was truly a great man. He will be missed by us all.

  5. Lavonne Scott says:

    We all lost a great man. Doris would have the door wide open to greet him. I worked with & for Ken for many years on city committee’s. A fair just man and he and Doris are truly missed.

  6. John Hovorka says:

    I must say that Ken is a good guy, I won’t say was a good guy, because he still lives, and has just been transferred to a better place. I look forward to seeing him again in the not too distant future. We Had A lot of good times together, and I really love him and Doris.They were a lot of fun to be with, and I will temporarily miss them.

  7. Deb Bassett says:

    We’re so glad that we got to see and visit with Ken at Dad’s celebration in February. They were friends for such a very long time, going to the casino not so very long ago! Our hearts and prayers go out to you. It is a special kind of pain to lose our parents no matter how long we are blessed to have them. Sending our love.

  8. Rog and Ellen Chambers says:

    Our deepest sympathy to the family for the loss of their loved one. May God be with you!

  9. Todd Hovorka says:

    We will miss you Ken. You & Doris were my backup parents since the day I was born; always treated me like one of your own. Great people, with great hearts. I look forward to seeing you again one day in the realms ahead. Keep smil’n, the best is yet to come!

  10. Julie & Bob Goodhue says:

    We loved all the time we spent together with Ken & Doris. They were wonderful friends & neighbors to us. We miss them both. Our love & sympathy to Sheila, Dale & Family.

  11. gary henningsen says:

    Ken was a great member of the Adams lodge 332, I learned alot, RIP my friend.

  12. Phyllis and Len Voltes says:

    So sorry for your loss. Your dad was such a kind and thoughtful person. So lucky you had those moments together after your mom died. It will always bring a smile to your face in the future after the terrible pain subsides. We love you both and glad you have each other for support. Hope we are in town for your celebration of his wonderful life.

  13. Liana says:

    Your dad and mom became friends of mine as we worked at the Blossom Shop! He had his harmonica with him to play! Ken was always happy and willing to make others smile! I bought my chop suet tickets from him. Years later he never forgot that! Ken was a good guy! Ken and Doris hold a special place in my heart!

  14. Dr gonzo says:

    wonderful memories snapping àgates and fishing trips

  15. Barbie Warp says:

    I am sorry for you and tour family, he was a great man. Barbie

  16. Theresa Elliott says:

    Heaven just got a bit more fun. Sheila, may your dreams and thoughts be filled with only treasured memories. I for one am grateful that he woke me up so many mornings. 😉

  17. Lori Peterson says:

    Dear Sheila and family,
    Sending my heartfelt condolences. Such a terrible loss. I had so much fun at your house with Ken and Doris in high school ( so many years ago). They were super cool parents! So sad but what a great life he had.
    Much love,
    Lori Peterson (Subera)

  18. Valerie Mecklenburg says:

    So sad…hugs & prayers to you all.

  19. Lisa M Gregory says:

    My condolences to Ken’s family.
    So sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. I got to know him during my 4 year’s of working at the Blossom Shop. He was such a nice guy & always willing to help us out with delivery’s.
    Rip Ken

  20. Jodi Lecy Helgeson says:

    Sheila and family, your dad was one of the most friendly persons I have met. I always enjoyed him coming to my office with chop suey tickets. He had a fun time in his long life. My sympathy to you all.

  21. Bobby & Connie Hilson says:

    So sad to hear about Kenny. We had a lot of good time working together on the railroad. Sending our thoughts and prayers to your family😥