Kenneth Edwin "Ken" Waddell

1933 - 2025

Kenneth "Ken" Edwin Waddell

March 4, 1933 - November 26, 2025

Kenneth "Ken" Edwin Waddell, age 92, of Beaver Dam, passed away on November 26, 2025 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.

Ken was born on March 4, 1933 in Beaver Dam, the son of Edwin and Agnes (Frank) Waddell. He was a 1953 graduate of Beaver Dam High School. Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he was a cook. After being honorably discharged, he attended culinary school and eventually operated his own restaurant in Beaver Dam. In June of 1958, Ken was united in marriage to Gloria Wahlen at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Beaver Dam. Over the years he worked in many different sales roles at Hedlund Mfg. Co. in Boyceville, WI, Van Dale Inc. in Minnesota, Hometown Glass and various car dealerships in Beaver Dam.

Ken was quite active throughout the Beaver Dam community. He was a dedicated member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish and a longtime usher. He also served as President of the Lions Club, was an officer in the Elks Lodge, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion Post #146. He also served as an alderman for the City of Beaver Dam, and was chairman of the Recreation Committee, plus as a supervisor for the Town of Beaver Dam. In his free time, Ken enjoyed golfing and spending time with family & friends, and he was a member of Sunset Hills (Beaver Dam Country Club). Woodworking and creating stained glass items were some of his favorite hobbies. Ken enjoyed music and supported many local and county organizations promoting the arts.

Ken is survived by his wife, Gloria Waddell; children, Gina (John) Kulka, Brenda (Bill) Riege, and Brad (Beth Selburg) Waddell; grandchildren, Andrew (Brittany) Kulka, Kevin (Gabrielle Brosius) Kulka, and Blasia (Austin) Longfield; great-grandson, Bennett Kulka; brother-in-law, Peter (Margaret) Wahlen; and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Theodore and Inez Wahlen; sisters, Marg Maier, Marion Bauman, and Glenrose Czarneski; brothers, Eugene Deniger and Duane Waddell; sister-in-law, Judi Welsch, brother-in-law, Ted Wahlen Jr. and other relatives.

A memorial gathering for Ken will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Beaver Dam from 9:30 a.m., until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., with Fr. Will Arnold as Celebrant. Inurnment will take place at St. Peter's Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

If desired, memorials can be made in Ken's name to St. Katharine Drexel Parish, the Badger Honor Flight or charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at Eagle's Wings and Hillside Manor for their care of Ken.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family.