Kenneth Stashek

Kenneth N. Stashek, 59, of Vesper, WI, passed away unexpectedly at Aspirus Riverview Hospital.

Born on July 29, 1966, in Wisconsin Rapids, Ken lived a life shaped by family, hard work, humor, and sarcasm. He had a way of making people feel welcomed and supported, and his presence was a steady comfort to those closest to him.

Ken spent much of his life enjoying his passion for farming through his cranberry marsh, but what mattered most to him was family, home, and helping others. He found joy in fishing and hunting with his grandkids and sons-in-law, enjoying Marsh Days with family, drinking the occasional Mexican mule, and could always be counted on for a good dad joke, a story, and a laugh.

He shared 36 wonderful years with Brenda (Bean) Stashek, and together they built a life and raised a family of five beautiful daughters. As a husband, dad, and brother, Ken was proud of the family he built, the love he gave, and the memories he created for all of us to share.

Ken is survived by his wife, Brenda; his five daughters: Nicole (Devin) Mattson, Megan Stashek, Cassi (Josh) Suenkel, Emily Stashek, and Jordyn (Fiancé Nick Jackan) Stashek; and five grandchildren: Owen, Kinley, Hattie, and Brooks Mattson, and Jack Suenkel. He is also survived by his siblings: Tom (Kitty) Stashek, Mary Ann (Dennis) Duchrow, Linda Schmenk, Marvin (Vickie) Stashek, Karen Loney, Sandy (Bob) Bonifas, Janet (George) Hohl, Greg Stashek, Carol (Darrell) Wesenberg, Bev (Chris) Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. Additional survivors include his mother-in-law, Susan Bean; sisters-in-law Tammy (Kevin) Kruger and Becky (Jeremy) Ruesch; brother-in-law Greg (Kristi) Bean; and close family friend Myron Loney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Alvina Stashek; his father-in-law, David Bean; brothers-in-law Ron Jagodzinski and Tom Schmenk; and nephews Brandon and Tyler Stashek.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Vesper. Burial will follow at St. James Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, from 4:00–7:00 p.m., with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home. Visitation will also be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the service at St. James.