Kenneth W. Artus

Kenneth "Kenny" Wallace Artus, 72, Wausau, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 23, 2026, with family by his side at Aspirus Hospice House.

He was born on November 5, 1953, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to the late Wallace and Elaine (Ziegel) Artus.

Kenny grew up on his family’s dairy farm in the Town of Stettin, where he learned the value of hard work and family from an early age. Kenny graduated from Marathon High School in 1972. He spent many years growing ginseng alongside his family, creating memories and traditions that remained an important part of his life.

Kenny worked for Schuette Movers for 32 years before retiring. He later worked for Trieweiler and the Town of Rib Falls. Kenny and his partner, Dawn Gauerke, also owned Don’s Bar in Rib Falls for 23 years. He enjoyed the many friendships he made there and valued the people who became such an important part of his life.

Kenny was a hardworking man with a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh that was truly one of a kind. He was proud of his children and especially proud of his grandchildren, his “best buddies.”. One of his greatest joys in life was being known as “Papa.” He took great pride in watching them grow, always celebrating their accomplishments and the people they were becoming. He had a way of making people smile and formed lasting friendships wherever life took him.

Kenny had many passions throughout his life. He loved polka music, westerns, deer hunting, fishing, and watching NASCAR. Kenny was a member of the Rib Falls Lions Club for many years.

Kenny is survived by his partner, Dawn Gauerke; his children, Nicholas (Andrea) Artus and Kimberly (Robb) Knauf; and his grandchildren, Nash, Kenzie, Asher, Konner, and Kyler.

He is also survived by Dawn’s children, Jodi (Danielle) Gauerke, Juli Gauerke-Peter (Tom), and Jeni (Fred) Raymond; and grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, Ty, Elle, Marcianna, and Abigail.

Kenny is survived by his siblings, Kathy Artus, Gary Artus, Lynette Schuster, Mary (Robert) Schultz, and Kerri (Bryne) Ohde, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Elaine Artus.

Kenny’s greatest legacy will be the love he gave his children, the pride he took in his grandchildren, the friendships he made, and the countless memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Rib Falls United Methodist Church, 136700 Bearskin Trail, Marathon City. Pastor Tim Gurlea will officiate. Burial will be at Rib Falls United Methodist Cemetery, Marathon City. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital as well as the Aspirus Hospice House for the amazing care and support they gave Kenny and his family.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established in Kennys memory.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.