Kenneth J. Charnecke, 78

Kenneth J. Charnecke, 78, devoted husband of Mary Ann, passed away from complications during a medical procedure on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

Born in Stevens Point on Oct. 1, 1947, he was the son of Edward and Henrietta (Zdroik) Charnecke. He graduated from Pacelli High School, where the values of hard work and family that shaped his life first took root.

After high school, he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Simcakoski, and they were married Sept. 30, 1967, at St. Bronislava Catholic Church in Plover, beginning a marriage filled with love, adventure and devotion to family.

The couple started their life together in Milwaukee, where Ken worked in auto body repair at Selig Ford. Later, he earned his real estate license and became one of the top salesmen for Keske Realty. When they returned to central Wisconsin and settled in Shantytown, Ken came back to the family business his father started. With determination, vision and the support of his family, he helped grow it into the successful tent rental and manufacturing company it is today.

Ken had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed snowmobiling and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Some of his favorite memories were family walleye fishing trips, where he passed his love of fishing on to his grandchildren. He loved to travel with his wife, and they took many memorable trips together throughout the years. In retirement, they spent their winters in Florida with their RV and beloved dogs, forming many lasting friendships along the way.

Sports were always on in the Charnecke household. Ken was a loyal Packers and Brewers fan, enjoyed NASCAR and, more recently, became a fan of rodeo. While he loved watching sports, nothing brought him more pride than watching his grandchildren compete, especially on the wrestling mat. He loved cheering them on and celebrating their accomplishments.

A devoted member of St. Ladislaus Parish, Ken was well known as the bingo caller at the annual event in Bevent, where his familiar voice became part of the tradition.

Above all, Ken will be remembered for the love he had for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who treasured time spent with family. He also had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his beloved dogs, who were constant companions throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years; two children, Jenny (Jay) Cole and Ken (Linetta) Charnecke; six grandchildren, Alex (Nina) Cole, Anna Cole, Aaron (Mallorie) Cole, Emily (Travis Lobner) Charnecke, Michael Charnecke and Adam (Izzy) Charnecke; two sisters, Marge Boehm and Betty DiLallo; one great-grandchild; one foster great-grandchild; and one great-grandchild on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Charnecke and Henrietta (Zdroik) Charnecke; a brother, Bobby Charnecke; a great-grandson, Elliot Cole; and two brothers-in-law, Joseph Boehm and John DiLallo.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Ken will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, 173141 State Highway 153, Hatley (Bevent), with the Rev. Augustine Bentil officiating.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church.

Pisarski Funeral Homes is serving the Charnecke family. Online condolences may be offered at www.pisarskifuneralhome.com.