Kenneth A. Grugel

1947 - 2025

Waterloo, WI - Kenneth A. Grugel, 77, passed away August 7, 2025

Kenneth was born on August 15, 1947, in Amherst, Ohio, to Ray and Meta (Reinking) Grugel. Along with his parents and 3 siblings, the family moved to Greeley, Colorado and then to Watertown, Wi. Ken graduated from Watertown High School in 1965. In 1967 his parents moved to Illinois, but Ken stayed in Watertown where he met his wife, Donna Schlueter. They were married on October 30, 1971, in St. John's Lutheran Church. Along with their three boys, he enjoyed vacationing in northern WI, and traveling to visit friends and relatives in various states.

Ken worked for 17 years with the Watertown Fire Department, as a Firefighter and EMT. He also purchased and owned his company "Ken's Fire Extinguisher, Inc" in 1982. After retirement from the Fire Department and selling his business, he and Donna owned and operated "RiverCity Antiques" for 12 years. During that time, with the help of John Brom, he began the restoration of the John Cole house on 4 th street, transforming it from three apartments back to a single-family residence. After selling the Cole house, he finalized his dream of building a house and owning farmland, working with CRP developing woodlands and ponds on his acres in the township of Waterloo (Hubbleton area).

Ken was always active with the church while his boys were in school, serving on several St. Mark's boards and active in Pioneers youth group. Ken loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He learned woodworking from his dad, enjoyed collecting antiques, and was a toy train enthusiast.

Kenneth is survived by his wife Donna Grugel of Waterloo, WI: children, Karl (Sharon) Grugel of Crestwood, KY; Charles (Phillis) Grugel, Plover, WI; Adam (Daniela) Grugel, Humble, TX. Grandchildren; Catherine Grugel, Anna Grugel, Georgia Grugel, Maximilian Grugel, Amelia Grugel, Eleanora Grugel Sisters: Kathleen Purtill and Marie (Steve) Hurt, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Kenneth was proceeded in death by his parents, Ray and Meta, brother Raymon Grugel; and granddaughter Madeleine Grugel.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI on August 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Peter Wells officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church for visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown WI immediately following the service. Memorials, if desired, would be appreciated to St. Mark's Lutheran Church and Chicken's Unlimited. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Watertown is serving the family. Online condolences may be left at www.HafemeisterFH.com.