Kenneth George Jicinsky

Kenneth George Jicinsky, 93, of Spencer peacefully left his earthly life for eternal life in heaven on February 8, 2026 after a brief illness and stay at the House of the Dove, Marshfield under the loving care of Compassus Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer. Burial will follow at West Spencer Cemetery with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 298 of Spencer. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Monday from 9 AM until time of service. The honor of pallbearer belongs to Ken's grandsons.

Ken was born March 21, 1932, in Colby WI to Ferdinand and Frances (Sterzinger) Jicinsky. He attended Enterprise School in Brighton Township and graduated from Unity High School. As a young man, friends nicknamed him "Slippery," as his flexibility and wiry moves made him nearly impossible to pin during playful wrestling matches.

Ken proudly served his country stateside during the Korean Conflict. He received mechanical training and was assigned to keep the army trucks running. An excellent marksman, he earned honors on the rifle squad.

On August 11, 1956, Ken married the love of his life and best friend, Darlene Rachu. Together they were blessed with eight children: Allen, Debra, Darla, Rhonda, Terry, Christopher, Sherry, and Michelle. Their marriage was one of deep devotion, teamwork, and shared joy.

Growing up on a farm, Ken developed a lifelong appreciation for hard work and the land. He especially enjoyed field work and maintaining farm equipment. Horses were not his favorite, and along with his brother Charlie, he successfully convinced their father to invest in one of the first tractors used for farm work in the area. If it weren't for the daily milking of cows, Ken might have chosen dairy farming as his life's work.

Ken was a dedicated provider for his large family. He helped build their Buse Street home, harvesting many of the logs used in the construction himself. He was employed at Spencer Milk Plant (M&M Mars) later purchased by Land O'Lakes and later worked at Hub City Foods for 35 plus years – first as a delivery route truck driver, then in the warehouse loading trucks and in their maintenance area.

His hobbies were both a source of joy and a means of providing for his family. Ken could be found spending most days in his woods near Lindsey, affectionately known as "the wild land," cutting logs, feeding his birds and talking to the deer. He sold timber and made firewood to heat their own house and sold countless cords to others. He loved to bow and rifle hunt, and it was his great joy to share hunting experiences with his sons, son-in-law, and grandsons. Venison was a staple at the dinner table. Ken also loved to fish and did so as often as he could with his friends and in his last few years with his son-in-law Jon on Jon's boat. Apple and berry picking and cranberry harvesting were never chores to Ken and Darlene; they loved it all and generously shared the bounty with family and friends. He was known to have a sweet tooth, especially for pies.

Though a hard worker, Ken always made time for fun. He jury-rigged a one-of-a-kind camper that was used for many road trip vacations and camping weekends. In retirement, Ken and Darlene spent nine winters in Alamo, Texas where they treasured the friendships they made. They also enjoyed a close-knit circle of friends in Spencer.

Ken was always up for a game of cards, though playing with him required patience – he carefully contemplated each move at length. Ken had the gift of conversation and a sense of humor where he was quick to share a joke. Family, friend or stranger – he could talk to anyone, finding common ground and sharing knowledge on everything from auto mechanics and fishing tips to healthy living and politics. Friendly, positive, and genuine, Ken was simply impossible not to like.

Darlene passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ken was a loving caregiver to her as her health declined. After her death, he showed his family that he was not finished living – continuing to care for himself and his home, nurturing friendships, and finding joy in the activities he loved.

He was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Spencer.

Ken is survived by his children: Allen (Gail) Jicinsky of Spencer; Deb (Jon) Zinsli of Lake Tomahawk; Darla Tyznik of Marshfield; Rhonda Jicinsky of Rhinelander; Terry (Zac) Jicinsky, of Palm Springs, CA; Chris (Lisa) Jicinsky of Dayton, OH; Sherry (Scott) Bridges of Las Vegas NV; and Michelle (Tom) Johnson of Marshfield. He is also survived by his sister; Delores Petersen; in-laws, Ray (Sharon) Rachu, Phyllis Rachu, Sharon Teige and Gloria Butterfield; eleven grandchildren: Beth (Brian) Zinsli, Adam (Courtney) Vaughan, Lisa (Travis) Weston, Derek Vaughan, Brian (Kathy) Jicinsky, Matthew (Paola) Zinsli, Kelly (Adam) Breit, Jordan (Abbie) Tyznik, Maci (Rob) Altmann, Nicholas (Kerry) Johnson, and Max (Molly) Johnson; sixteen great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Darlene; his brother Charles Jicinsky, his son-in-law Duane Tyznik and several brothers-in-law and sister-in-law.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Ken's name can be directed to Compassus House of the Dove, Christ the King Catholic Church, or Kings Food Pantry in Spencer.

Ken's arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. To share memories and offer condolences, please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com.