Kenneth Ruesink Obituary
Kenneth D. Ruesink of Oconomowoc peacefully passed away on April 25, 2025 at the age of 92. Ken was born on July 23, 1932 in Fond du Lac.
Ken moved from Fond du Lac to Waupun before his junior year in high school. He loved sports and ended up being a pretty good pitcher for the baseball team.
After high school, Ken was drafted by the United States Army and served honorably during the Korean War. He graduated from Wisconsin State Teacher's College in Oshkosh and began teaching English and Civics at Oostburg High School. After five years at Oostburg, during which he taught and started a guidance program, Ken took a job as a Guidance Counselor at Oconomowoc High School in 1963, where he remained until his retirement. During that time he also received his Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from UW-Milwaukee.
Ken was a resident of Oconomowoc for 65 years. He was an avid golfer and a member for many years of the men's and couple's leagues at Paganica Golf Club. He was a devoted man of faith and enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and UW sports.
Ken was introduced to his beloved wife Ellen (Paffenroth) of 68 years. He and Ellen enjoyed their golf together, vacationing in Florida, and spending time with family and friends.
Ken was a loving father of Mitch (Linda) Ruesink, Jill Cannistra, and Tom (Neesa) Ruesink. He was a dear grandfather to Ashley (Justin) Blanton, Alexandra (Michael) Malone, Alivia Cannistra, Logan (Jennifer) Ruesink, Austin Ruesink, Annika Ruesink, and Samuel Ruesink; Great grandfather to Chloe and Sophia Blanton, Evelyn and Ellis Malone, Kinsley and Weston Ruesink. Sister-in-law Irene Ruesink.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents John and Esther (Prange) Ruesink and siblings Larry Ruesink and Carol Medema.
A visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 10:00am until time of memorial service at 11:30am at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home 121 S. Cross St. Oconomowoc.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oconomowoc Scholarship Fund.
