Kenneth "Ken" Paul Zemke

Kenneth “Ken" P. Zemke, 83, Wausau, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, February 8, 2024 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

He was born February 4, 1941 in Wausau, son of the late Paul and Leona (Heckendorf) Zemke. In July of 1969 he married Joan Krueger, she preceded him in death in February of 1982.  On April 6, 1985, he married Sonia Fraitts at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Wausau.  She survives.

For many years, Ken happily worked as a truck driver for a local feed mill until his retirement.  Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed tinkering in his garage, metal and woodworking, and creating countless furniture items for his family.  His incredible projects include: gorgeous dressers for his grandchildren, an intricate grandfather clock for Sonia, and outdoor bench swings for his children, just to name a few.  Ken could fix almost anything and had an uncanny talent to take anything old and unusable and breathe new life into each, making them anew again.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include, his wife, Sonia; three children, Kirt Zemke, Athens, Jay (Theresa) Zemke, Marathon and Karla Serrano-Fraitts, Wausau; grandchildren, Kahlo Vue, Kytanna Vue, Leah Zemke and Mitchell Zemke; step-grandchildren, Ricky (Angie) Crawford, Kyle (Tiffany) Crawford, Curtis Crawford and Tyler Crawford; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and first wife, Joan, he was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Lori Zemke; and seven siblings, Albert and Wilbur Zemke, Darlene Roeder, Irene Ninneman, Loretta Bielke, Arlene Adams and Leona Zemke.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau.  Chris Ewan will officiate.  Burial will be in the Rib View Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com