Kenneth T. Ouradnik

Kenneth T. Ouradnik, age 91, Luxemburg, passed away on January 13, 2026, at 3:03 pm. Ken was born October 1, 1934, in the Town of Casco, (near Slovan), to the late Joseph W. & Rose (Boushek) Ouradnik. He graduated from Rosebud School (one room school) in 1948, Casco High School in 1952, where he was a four-letter winner in football, and captain of their football team. He also graduated from Door-Kewaunee County Teachers College in 1955, and the university of WI Graduate School of Banking in 1968.

He married Carol Massart, his sweetheart, on October 13, 1956, at Holy Trinity Church, in Casco. Ken and Carol enjoyed traveling, having visited Europe twice, and many of our states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and numerous National Parks.

Ken was principal of Maplewood Graded School in Door County, and taught grades 5-8 for five years, 1955-1960. He then entered the banking business in 1960 and was employed as Vice President & Cashier at Union State Bank, Kewaunee, for 23 years, and later Vice President of Valley Bank of Casco for 10 years, before retiring. Ken became Manager of the Casco Community Housing, (Northside Apartments), in 2007, a position he held until retiring in 2017.

Ken was a member of St. Mary’s Congregation, Luxemburg, where he served on the Finance Council. He also was a member of the Nation Rifle Association, North American Hunting Club, Luxemburg Sportsman’s Club, and was treasurer of the Kewaunee Lions Club, and then later, Casco Lions Club, for 29 years. Music was a big part of Ken’s life, as he was an accomplished musician, having played professionally for over 67 years.

Ken started his musical career in 1950, playing trumpet on a regular basis with various orchestras, including Myron Naze, Matt Theis, and Russ Zimmerman. He performed quite often on a help-out basis with other orchestras, including Joe Karman, Don Schlies, Jimmy Nejedlo, Bill Siebold, 4 F’s, Len-Ray, Two Creeks Farm Hands, Musical Brass, Jerry Voelker, Harvey DeGuelle, Red Suspender Boys, Gordy Reckelberg, and Dad’s & Lads. Ken also played with some of these orchestras.

Ken played trumpet, trombone, and did vocals for many years as an original with the Russ Rank Combo, a popular 3-piece band. He finished his playing career with the Mark Jirikovec Orchestra, which he played with for 28 years. On March 13, 2016, Ken received a "Distinguished Service Award” from the WI Polka Hall of Fame, for his outstanding contributions and dedications to the polka industry throughout the State of WI. Ken played his last dance job on June 16, 2017, after 2,600 dance jobs over 67 years, which he maintained an up-to-date record of every job.

Ken was a fun-loving guy, had a very good sense of humor. He loved deer and turkey hunting, golfing, and spending quality time at their cabin and woods near Dunbar, WI in Marinette County. Ken was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of 69 years; his son, Todd (Mary) Ouradnik, Casco; his daughter, Shaun Ouradnik, Cross Plains; grandchildren, Rose Stangel, Sylvia Stangel (Spencer Luedtke); great-grandchildren, Otto and Soren Luedtke; step-grandchildren, Tammy (Rick) DeNiel and their children, April, Mason, and Austin; Davey (fiancé Lynn) Delcore and his children, Skyler and Gage Delcore, Jessica (Matt) Ronk, and their children, Reese and Tyler; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Bolanger.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joseph G. “Joey” (Gladys) Ouradnik, Kenosha; Leo (Ruth) Ouradnik, Green Bay; four sisters, Dorothy (Joe) Crabb, Harvard, IL; Mildred (Paul) Shedivy, Oregon, WI; Eileen (Ray) Veeser, Casco; Viola (Jack) Seiler, Green Bay; as well as by his father- and mother-in-law, Wilfred and Esther Massart; step-mother-in-law, Virgil Massart; and brother-in-law, Dennis Massart.

Friends may call 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at St. Mary Church, Luxemburg. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am with Fr. Daniel Schuster officiating. Kinnard Funeral Home, Casco is assisting the Ouradnik Family. Online condolences can be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

Special thank you to Dr. Gupta and staff at Aurora Hospital. Heather and Jenny with Unity Hospice. Megan and Cassie, and the staff at Sycamore Lodge, Algoma. And to Fr. Tim and Fr. Schuster.