My name is Ken Venzke. I was diagnosed with colon cancer on the 8th of May.
It is now the 28th of August, and I passed away.
Whether it was the chemo, or just the way it goes, they had told me in the beginning I might live till it snows.
So my game is over. Life is done for me. I’d like to share a few facts of my life if you’d like to see.
I was born in southern Wisconsin to Fred and Dorothy Venzke. I had a brother who died at a very early age. We moved to Tomahawk where my parents and I owned and operated a trout pond on Highway CC.
Needless to say, I dug a lot of worms.
When I got older, I was drawn to the world of cars. I raced on the tracks of Wisconsin and fixed what I wrecked. Which led to my field of employment as a body repair man.
Which led to me meeting my LOML (love of my life), Lesa Mackin. We just celebrated our 27th year on the 27th of August.
She had hit a deer back then and asked me to repair her car. I then met her 4.5-year-old son, Evan Mackin, who became a son of mine. Teaching him what I could and testing my patience at times.
We all spent many happy years camping, fishing, hunting, and enjoying life.
Those I am leaving behind are Lesa; Evan (and his wonderful wife, Katie), plus my two favorite grandkids, Mia (6), and Liam (4).
Also, a father-in-law, Fran Pflum (and wife Char); Katie’s parents, John and Gwen Harmon, plus many friends made throughout the years.
I don’t want a service, but I’m sure they will put together a celebration of life for me. Everyone that comes will be invited to have an Old Milwaukee on me.
Now, I am going up to meet my parents, and mother-in-law, Bonnie Pflum, who passed away three years ago on September 2nd.
It’s been fun.
