KENNETH KLABUNDE

Kenneth R. Klabunde, age 86, passed away on Saturday, October 6, 2018 in Round Rock, TX with his wife, Florence and two of his six children, Dawn and Rod by his side.  He was born on September 29, 1932 to the late Robert and Signe (Gustafson) Klabunde.  He married Florence A. Bessette on August 10, 1957, and they were blessed with 61 years together.  Ken joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served from '51 to '55 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada during the Korean War.  It was during his time in the service that he became affectionately known as “Swede.” 

He grew up in Wittenberg on his family's farm where he learned the meaning of hard work.  Ken worked for the City of Neenah and retired after many years of service.  He always stayed busy and never ran out of things to do.  Ken's favorite pastime was working with Jim and Margaret Harness on their farm growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers.  He loved being outdoors, gardening, and enjoying nature, especially when it came to birds and trees. Ken enjoyed going up north to the family cottage with family, friends, and relatives.  He was a family man at heart and treasured the time that he spent with his family.  He was loved dearly by his family and will be missed greatly.

Ken is survived by his wife, Florence Klabunde; children: Debbie (Jeff) Keck, Donna Baker, Diane (Fred Kuester) Klabunde, Dawn Klabunde, Doreen (John) Urbschat, and Rodney (Teresa) Klabunde; grandchildren: Luke (Kara) Keck, Adam (Brittany) Keck, Jim Baker Jr., Ken (Tiesha Wilber) Baker, Jessy (Andy Zeinert) Urbschat, Chris Urbschat; Kayla, Jenna, and Logan Klabunde; great-grandchildren: Paige, Ally, Jayde, Grant, Mackenzie, and Keagan; brothers, Carroll “Toke” (Annette) Klabunde and Donald (Barbara) Klabunde; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Mary Keck and brother Wilfred Klabunde.

The Funeral Mass for Ken will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 610 Division Street, Neenah with Rev. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of the mass.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Arthritis Foundation are appreciated.

Ken's family would like to give special thanks to Austin Hospice, Right at Home, and St. William Catholic Church, all of which are in the Austin, TX area, for all of their compassionate care.