Kenneth Edward McHugh

Kenneth Edward McHugh, age 88, died on June 6, 2025, escorted to the gates of Heaven by his long-time companion Arlene. He was born on May 12, 1937, to the late Edward and Birdie (Bodoh) McHugh in New London, WI. He attended Shiocton High School and following school enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served for seven years. Upon returning from his service, he began work at Foremost Farms where he worked for the next 35 years.

Ken was an avid BMW motorcyclist. He belonged to the Badger Motorcyclists of Wisconsin, Port Washington BMW, Dinky Dozen of Bloomington, IL UP BMW, BMWMOA and RA. His true love was riding motorcycle and he put on 1,200,000 miles. There weren’t many places he hasn't been. With his riding partner, Arlene Neumann, everyone knew them as Mac and Arlene, along with Tank and Moose their dogs. He has so many awards for high mileage, trophies for field events at rallies, especially the slow races. As the photographer for the MOA magazine, he took thousands of pictures and people couldn't wait for their issue to come in the mail, just to see if they might be in it.

He had a lot of interest but working on bikes was his passion. Some of the club members would be in his garage stall for hours, he had so much knowledge to share. Kevin Birr became like a son to him and was always willing to take a used bike off his hands! He always had time for whoever needed help. He was a wonderful woodworker, building anything he was asked to make. Ken knew his way across the USA. A paper map might get looked at but the GPS was in his head.

He was introduced to Arlene, on a blind date, in 1983, at the House on the Rock. Their friendship has lasted 42 years, and everyone know they were a match made in heaven. They traveled all 48 states, Alaska, all of Canada and Mexico twice. The friendships they made were forever and Ken will be remembered for being that person you will never forget.

Ken survived colon cancer, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and heart surgery. Chemo took a lot out of him, but he always bounced back. He had so many wonderful doctors. Then dementia took over, and there was no way of getting better. The slow decline took 10 years, and the last thing was to fall and break a hip and a month later God came and took him to the highway to Heaven.

He was the greatest Papa Ken to his and Arlene’s grandkids and great grandkids. The memories are endless. These kids will remember all the things Papa did with them and what he taught them.

Ken is survived by his longtime companion Arlene Neumann; daughters Pam, Donna, and Karin McHugh; sister Kathleen Prunty; grandchildren: Hayley (Mike) Marks, Joe Mitchell, Rebekah (Jake) Kaul, Kristin Hare; great grandchildren: Jude, Noah, Autumn, Emma, and Layla; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is further survived by Arlene’s family Sheila Luedtke, Corky (Faye) Neumann, Kenny (Lisa) Neumann; grandchildren: Josh Neumann, Ashely (Randy) Schmidt, Codi and Brittany Neumann, Desi (Adam) Ryhner, Gage Neumann, and Matt Merz; great grandchildren: Logan, Parker, Beckett, Easton, Hudson, Isaac, Ethen, Ellie, Payton, Austin, Kendell, Ross and Kylie; Arlene’s siblings: Judy (Glen) Nelson, Tom (Debbie) Schmidt, John (Chris) Schmidt, Randy (Kathy) Schmidt, Peter (Karin) Schmidt, Steve (Laurie) Schmidt, Joe Schmidt, Patty Schmidt,  and Jerry (Karen) Schmidt.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Marcella Surprise, Mary Wehrman, Delores (Al) Sorenson; Arlene’s family: Dick (Judy) Schmidt, Dan (Georgie) Schmidt, Butch Schmidt and Brandon Neumann.

A mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday June 18, 2025, at 11:00am at St Mary’s Catholic Church, 528 2nd street, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until mass begins. Mac will be laid to rest at St Denis Cemetery in Shiocton.