Kenneth Michael Mihalko

Kenneth Michael Mihalko of Crandon passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2024, after a valiant fight with Parkinsons. He was surrounded by his wife and children. He was 78 years old.
Ken was born in Crandon on November 8, 1945. He was the third child of the late Charles and Maude Mihalko. He attended Mole Lake grade school and was a 1963 graduate of Crandon High School. As a young boy, he enjoyed being spoiled by his two sisters Pat and Mary. He grew up in the logging business that his mom and dad owned and began driving a log truck at the age of 14. He hauled logs to Connor Co. Mill.
Ken met his future wife, Sheryl Czarniecki, driving around Lake Metonga one warm summer day. They got married on October 9, 1965. They lived in L'Anse, MI and had their first child, Barry. They later moved to Hiles and had two more children, Steve and Todd. After several years, they were given land by his parents and built their forever home in Crandon. There they had three more children; Shelley, Kristin and Kenneth Jr. (Kenny).
He worked for his parents' business for many years hauling until the tragic death of his brother, Charles Jr. (Sonny). He decided to start his own business skidding for people. After his oldest son, Barry, graduated, he decided to buy a log truck for him to drive. His other two older sons, Steve and Todd worked alongside him in the woods. Ken retired, reluctantly, at the age of 65 and handed over the business to Barry and Steve.
Ken loved having his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren come to visit. He loved his family with his whole heart. Together, Ken and Sheryl bought property in Montana and built a cabin with his sons and close friends. He loved going there to hunt and spend time with family. He enjoyed telling his story of when he shot his 5x5 elk and his beloved dog, Rosie, "helped" him get it out of the woods and on his truck. A dear friend, Les Hicks, later helped him get it cleaned and dressed. Anyone who knew Ken, knew his love for John Wayne and he had a room dedicated to him with all his memorabilia.
Ken knew Jesus Christ was his Savior. He and Sheryl talked about it a lot. He was baptized and confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Ken is survived by his wife, best friend and life partner, Sheryl, his kids; Barry (Ann), Steve (Melissa), Todd, Shelley (Bruce), Kristin (Mike), and Kenny (Missy). His grandchildren; Megan, Cole, Mikayla, Sam, Brian, Randy, Greg, Madeson, Vanessa, Trentin, Ethan, Jacob, Conor, Marissa, Peyton, Brynn and Dane, 17 great grandchildren and his dog, Bailee.
He was welcomed into heaven by his sisters Pat and Mary, knowingly, they are both fighting about who spoils him the most. He will surely be missed by so many people. He touched the hearts of everyone he came in contact with. Being "The Legend" came easy to him.
"Ken, you are the love of my life and I cannot wait to join you one day." -Sheryl
Immediate private family services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held on August 18, 2024, at the Nashville Town Hall located at 4265 State Highway 55, Crandon, WI 54520 beginning at 12:00 p.m.