SPARTA - Kenneth “Ken” K. Kiel, 86, of Sparta, died Saturday, August 27, 2022 at RBI Care, rural Sparta. He was born on April 6, 1936 in Monroe, WI to Orville and Jetta (Drake) Kiel. He grew up in Monroe.
Ken served in the US Air Force from February 2, 1955 until November 14, 1958. He was stationed in Germany where he met Therese Latimer. They were married in Metz, France on May 11, 1957. Following their service time, they moved back to Monroe.
Ken worked as an electrical technician. He helped a company in Canada with their radar and eventually worked for the telephone company in Monroe. He transferred to Sparta and retired from CenturyTel in January 1994.
Ken was a gunsmith, owned Ken’s Kustom Kartridges, and was a member of a muzzle loaders club for 20 years. Ken was most proud and will be remembered most for starting the Radio Controlled Airplane Club in Sparta. He served as president and was later recognized and honored as the Honorary Lifetime President of the RC Club.
Ken is survived by his wife, Therese of Sparta; sons, Kenneth (Chris) Kiel of Sparta and Brian (Dr. Patricia Kiel/Mergo) Kiel of Ponte Vedra, FL; grandchildren, Matthew (Hilary) Kiel of Onalaska, Kevin (Meranda) Kiel of Holmen, Tyler (Kaitlyn) Kiel of Onlaska, Casey Kiel of Florida, and Kaitlyn Kiel of Florida; great grandchildren, Adalynn, Kylie, Connor, and Kayla; sisters, Cleone McGinnis of Freeport, FL and Dorothy Olbricht of Maine; and very special friend, Lynn Sanders.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother and his wife, Orville (Fern) Kiel.
A memorial service will be held at a later time. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
