Kenneth W. Potterton, 95, known by many as Coach, peacefully passed away on January 4, surrounded by his loving and cherished family. He was born on August 30, 1929, on the kitchen table of his home in Milwaukee, WI to Wilbur and Esther Potterton.

His legacy is rooted in his generosity and skills as an educator, mentor, and multi-sport coach. Honored to hold these positions, he took his work seriously but never himself. He valued honesty and compassion. He led with kindness. He saw opportunity in even the toughest losses. He believed in the inherent goodness in people and invited others to do the same.

Born a natural athlete, Ken pursued his talents at UW-La Crosse, obtaining an undergraduate degree in Physical Education and a Master's in statistics. While there, he was a beloved friend, fraternity member, and teammate, serving meals to the community at a local diner. Here, he met the love of his life, Marie (Molstad) Potterton, whom he called upon and escorted home from a dance one evening. They were happily married for 72 years.

They say that when you love your job, you never work a day in your life, which was true for Ken. He taught Phys Ed, was the department head, and coached in the Oshkosh School District at the original high school, Webster Stanley Jr. High, and Oshkosh West High School. He was also an avid supporter of Camp Hiwela, accompanying his girls for many years and lending a hand wherever needed. Watching him with a golf club, on a sideline, or feeding a young person's potential was a masterclass in motion. Many former students and players credit his guidance, counsel, and fairness as the building blocks for their leadership and success.

In retirement, he could be found teaching his peers skills in the gym at the Oshkosh Senior Center, traveling around the world, finding a new golf course to conquer, watching the Packers, Badgers, or a grandchild's sporting event, helping out in various ways at First Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, visiting an ailing friend, or tending to his beautiful gardens.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Potterton; two daughters, Pamela (Howard) Moody, Braselton, GA, and Penny (Kevin) Buckley, Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Kyle (Laura) Moody, Jonathan (Amy) Moody, Rachel Buckley, and Lauren (Kaleb) Buckley-Williams, adored him, as did his five great-grandchildren and niece Lisa (Mark) Hilgendorf and her children, Green Bay. His parents; brother, Harold; in-laws, Earl and Ethel Molstad; and niece, Sandra Potterton preceded him to Heaven.

To pay respects to Coach Ken's memory, he and his family would ask you to take a child to a driving range/golf course/basketball game, get out in the driveway for a game of horse, work on a collaborative jigsaw puzzle, or turn on a Packer game and cheer like nobody's watching.

His family extends their love and appreciation to the remarkable staff at Primrose Retirement Community, Silverlace Memory Care, and Moments Hospice in Appleton.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
1025 Oregon Street
Oshkosh WI 54902
(920) 236-7750

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oshkosh Herald from Jan. 6 to Feb. 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Potterton

Sponsored by Seefeld Funeral & Cremation Services.

13 Entries

Dean Rudoy

January 11, 2025

The rope was my nemesis. In junior high school, we were going through a tumbling unit in gym class. I wasn't too bad on the horse and rings, but, while my classmates scrambled up the rope and hit the I-beam at the top with the palms of their hands, I would get about halfway up and lose heart. One day, as we were all heading to the locker room, Mr. Potterton discretely folded his way into the group and put his hand on my shoulder. "I see you're having some problems with the rope." "Yeah." "Well, all I can say is that I see you at the top." I looked at him. Then, I turned and walked to the rope, climbed it to the top, and hit the I-beam with the palm of my hand. Many years later, while working with street kids in New York City, I wrote to Coach and told him that I liked to think I was passing along to these kids the encouragement he had given to me. He responded, "I don't remember that incident. I guess I said the right thing at the right time." He always did. .... At the end of junior high, I was a fullback on the football team. My dad was on the sidelines with his camera. Coach saw that. He called me to him, knowing that my dad would take the picture. That kind gesture spoke all one needed to know about Ken Potterton.

Alison Kilday

January 10, 2025

Mr. Potterton taught me at West High for a unit in swimming, I recall it was beginning rescue techniques. He was kind and patient to this not-very-good swimmer. At class end I felt I had really accomplished something. Mr. Potterton's wife, Marie, went to college with and was a roommate to my late mother Evelyn. She also has patience and grace, and I would like to give my sincere condolences to her and the entire family. Mr. Potterton was a gem of an individual who truly was loved and respected by so many.

Steve and Jeanne Fitchett

January 9, 2025

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. God bless you all during this difficult time.

Steve & Jeanne Fitchett

Planted Trees

Mike Adam

January 8, 2025

Coach Potterton was a quiet man. He was truly special.We all wished we could have a father like him. Class of 71.

Troy Zak

January 7, 2025

I did some student teaching under Mr. Potterton in the mid 80´s. What a great mentor and excellent educator. Really respected him as a person n teacher-great memories-he will be missed!

Sue Bracken

January 7, 2025

I worked at First Presbyterian Church and met Ken when he volunteered there. He was such a nice man and a great example of a kind and honest person. I always enjoyed his stories about his family and his career.

Dave Buelow

January 7, 2025

We lived in the same neighborhood with the Pottertons. I vividly remember Mr. Potterton (never "Ken") walking by our house every day on his way to Webster Stanley to teach school. Thru the years, he would always remember who I was and how I was doing when I would see him at one of the courses around Oshkosh. Very nice guy.

Ron Harrell

January 6, 2025

Ken was one of the first staff members to make me feel comfortable when I began teaching at Oshkosh High School in 1969. He was a positive person who brought out the best in each individual. Felt privileged to work with Ken and Marie after retirement at the Episcopal and Oshkosh Area Community Pantries. Condolences to Marie, Penny and other family members.

Gary Brantmier

January 6, 2025

Ken Potterton was a great teacher at Webster Stanley Junior High. Over the years, he always greeted me with kind words. No matter where I ran into him, he was always glad to see me, be it a grocery store, a restaurant, or just around town, then we would chat a bit. He will be missed.

Dave Malin

January 6, 2025

Mr Potterton was highly respected PE teacher for me in the 60's (class of 69). He was very approachable and always encouraging everyone to do their best and not to be afraid to try new things and even enjoy them.
He was an excellent teacher and an admirable role model for me and fellow students! His family should be very proud and grateful for such a blessing to have been loved by this very fine man!!

The Staff of Seefeld Family of Funeral Chapels

January 6, 2025

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Bill Jacobsen

January 6, 2025

he was one of those people who touched so many lives, my favorite coach

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