Kenneth C. Kropidlowski

Kenneth C. Kropidlowski

February 1, 1935 ~ June 11, 2020

Age ~ 85

 

Ken Kropidlowski, age 85, died peacefully in his sleep Thursday, June 11th. Ken was born February 1st, 1935 in Amherst, WI to Irene and Henry Kropidlowski. He loved fishing and family more than anything else in the world.  He had a small repertoire of jokes and felt confident enough in them to tell them over and over again. Every story, instruction or direction included a peppering of off-color words designed to make the person on the receiving end blush, giggle or both. When it came to cursing, he had no peers. 

Ken graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in Stevens Point and served in the Army.  After being set up on a blind date by friends, he married his soul mate, Yvonne (LeMay) and moved to Rhinelander.  They shared many happy years together until her passing in 2008.  Ken spent most of his career in charge of maintenance at the Rhinelander Medical Center.  His ability to fix, make or jury-rig anything broken left engineers with advanced degrees in awe. 
 
Kenny was known by many, loved by most. He gave every person the benefit of the doubt in all situations…but he gave it only once.  If he wasn’t on the water or working in his shop, he was usually shopping at Trig’s and Walmart.  He went partially for supplies but mostly for the audiences.  Countless jokes (few of which were clean) were test driven daily. If you saw a small crowd gathered at either place, you can bet Kenny was holding court.  Lots of laughs were had, the loudest were usually his. 

Ken’s real passion was life on the lake. He has forgotten more about fishing than most of us will ever even know. For Ken, the only thing better than fishing was the exaggerated stories that accompanied the day’s catch. He also felt compelled to share his knowledge of fishing with anyone…just not the location. 

Ken is survived by his son Jan (Carol) Kropidlowski; his son Jeff Kropidlowski, both of Rhinelander; his son Keith Donavan of Whitefish Bay, WI; Grandchildren Melissa (Braden) Bayne-Allison, Jared (Natalie) Kropidlowski; Callie, Joseph and Madeline Donavan; Shawn, Devin, Aiden and Elliott Kropidlowski; 3 Great-Grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Yvonne, his parents Henry and Irene Kropidlowski of Stevens Point; his brother James (Norma) Kropidlowski and sister Patricia (Pat) O’Keefe, both of Stevens Point. 

Everyone is invited to attend the Celebration of Life for Kenneth which will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  at Hodag Park at Pavilion #1. All are welcome to attend and share their favorite Kenny story. 

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