Kenneth E. Smith

Kenneth E. Smith, of Saukville, was called to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at the age of 65 years. Ken was born on March 26, 1949, in Milwaukee, the son of the late Edward and Geraldine (nee Sonnen) Smith. He attended Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, Freistadt, and was confirmed in his faith on March 22, 1964. Ken went on to graduate from Milwaukee Lutheran High School, in June, of 1968. Ken met the love of his life, Priscilla Riemer, through their church, and they were united in marriage on February 1, 1969, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, Friestadt. Shortly after their wedding, Ken was drafted into the United States Army in June, of 1969, and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1975. During his years of service, Ken served as a mechanic in Germany. Priscilla soon quit her job and followed Ken to Germany. Ken and Priscilla were blessed with three sons, Ryan, Chad, and Devin. They also welcomed two wonderful daughters-in-law to their family, Marlaine and Susie. Ken was very fond of his daughter-in-laws who bore the brunt of most of his razing. Some would say, the more he picked on you, the more he loved you. Ken was well known in the community as he worked 28 years for Cedarburg School District in the maintenance department. Some earlier careers involved working at Boehlke Garage in Mequon, Sommer’s car dealership in Mequon, AW Boettcher Milk Transit, and Boehlke Bottle Gas. Ken loved cars; from the many he worked on over the years, to the many cars he owned. He loved to recall the cars that people had over the years and often recalled what everyone drove to memorable events. (Yes, dad, your suburban is here, we’ll get it home before it rains.) Sometimes we thought car salesman were family since we knew their names so well. Ken had a real aptitude at fixing things and should have been an engineer. These mechanical and engineering skills were instilled in his boys at a very young age. His sons spent countless hours with him working on the Riemer farm, doing oil changes on family vehicles and all three boys worked with him at Cedarburg School District during the summer. Their time spent with their father resulted in two becoming engineers and one being a business professional (Devin, thought he would run the future family business). To many close family he is known as Uncle Kaddy.(pronounced Cod-ie) This came in as a nickname when his niece Julie could not say Kenny. Over the last 5 years as his health declined he always loved spending time with his grandchildren and discussing what his next vehicle purchase would be. He loved when they talked to him about things going on in school, when they would read to him, or just cuddle up and take a nap with him. His grandchildren’s first words weren’t mom or dad…it was Papa. Papa loved to give his grandchildren new $1 bills every time they came to visit. Ken is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Priscilla (nee Riemer) Smith; children, Ryan (Marlaine) Smith, Chad (Susie) Smith, and Devin Smith; grandchildren, McKenna, Cameron, Alex, Colton, and Henry; siblings, Jackie (Ron) Milligan and Carol (Ron) Knight, and sister-in-law, Cathey Smith. He is further survived by other sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Tom Smith. A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in Grafton. The family will receive friends on Saturday, at the church, from 10AM until the time of service. The burial will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery following the service, with military honors performed. Rest in peace dad. We love you and you will be greatly missed.