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Above all, Ken will be remembered for the love he had for his family

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

Born in Stevens Point, WI on October 1st, 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 on September 30th, 1967, at St. Bronislava Catholic Church in Plover, WI, 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 Reality. 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 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 onto his grandchildren. He loved to travel with his wife and 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 Brewer fan, enjoyed NASCAR and more recently 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 and 6 grandchildren. Alex (Nina) Cole, Anna Cole, Aaron (Mallorie) Cole, Emily (Travis Lobner) Charnecke, Michael Charnecke, Adam (Izzy) Charnecke and two sisters Marge Boehm and Betty DiLallo. One great grandchild, one foster great grandchild and one on the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward Charnecke and Henrietta (Zdroik) Charnecke, a brother Bobby Charnecke, 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 St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, 173141 State Highway 153, Hatley (Bevent) at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 24th, 2026, with Fr. Augustine Bentil officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the Charnecke Family. 

We invite and encourage those wishing to order flowers for the Charnecke Family to do so directly on the Pisarski Funeral Home website which will take you to a local florist. This will ensure timely delivery.