June 24, 2019 – West Bend, WI –Kenneth “Ken” G. Stasiewicz, 83, of West Bend was called home to be with the Lord on Friday June 21, 2019.
Ken was born on December 18, 1935 to the late John and Clara (nee Rydlewicz) Stasiewicz in Milwaukee WI. He graduated from Pulaski High School in 1953 where he met his wife Shirley Plizka. They were united in marriage on August 11, 1956. Together they raised their family in Greendale WI.
Ken honorably served his country for 36 years from 1953 thru 1989 in the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He began his career as a backseat weapons system operator. He eventually went to pilot training and piloted a number of different aircraft during his time with the 128th Air Refueling Group. He served as Commander of the 128th Air Refueling Group for 10 years before becoming the Deputy Adjutant General for Air for the State of Wisconsin. He retired from the Wisconsin Air National Guard with the rank of Brigadier General.
After retirement he and his wife moved to Hazelhurst, WI to fulfill their dream of living on a lake in the Northwoods. They lived there for 26 years until they moved to West Bend at Cedar Community to be close to family. Family was very important to Ken and he enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ken loved people, animals, gave great bear hugs, and had a wonderful sense of humor. He also enjoyed deer and duck hunting, fishing, and was an avid Packer fan. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Those Ken leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 62 years, Shirley Stasiewicz; six children, Mark (Karen) Stasiewicz, Michael (Laurie) Stasiewicz, Susan (Robert) Zanola, Kathleen (Paul) Zane, Lynn (Russell) Kitzke, and John (Diane) Stasiewicz; 15 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sister Marlene Semski, sister-in-law, Rosemarie Mc Veigh; brother-in-law, James (Loretta) Plizka; and “adopted son”, Scott Passineau; nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Stasiewicz.
Most importantly Ken was a man who loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A Memorial Mass in remembrance of Ken will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th St., West Bend.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with Ken’s arrangements.
