Kenneth "Kenny" L. Gauerke

Kenneth “Kenny” L. Gauerke, 67, Athens passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 12, 1957, in Wausau, son of the late Lester and Virginia (Metz) Gauerke.  Ken graduated from Athens High School in 1975 and in his opinion, it was the best class ever!  On July 1, 1978, he married Karen Zinkowich at St. Paul Lutheran Church, town of Hamburg.  She survives.

Ken worked at the River Country Coop for 43 years.  He was also a volunteer fireman with the Hamburg Fire Department for over 35 years and held various positions which included the fire chief, assistant chief and a lieutenant.  Kenny started the Fired Up to Read Program at Maple Grove and he took great pride in this program. Some of his favorite pastimes included playing slow pitch and fast pitch softball, coaching the middle school girls’ basketball for many years.  Kenny enjoyed spending time at the “Shack” and going up to the camper at North Forest Campground.

Ken had a deep passion for hunting and his last hunting adventure was taking Karen turkey hunting this spring.  He will be deeply missed by all, especially the guys in the hunting crew.

Survivors include his loving wife, Karen Gauerke, Athens, his daughters, Jacki (Rick) Nylund and Jessi (Tom Schara) Utecht, his grandsons, Trever and Brody and his bonus grandchildren, Jazzmin, Chloe (Austin) and Gracie Nylund, his siblings, Bernie (Ginnie) Gauerke,  Jim (Ruth) Gauerke, Bob (Joann) Gauerke, Betsy (Tom) Weiler, Judy (Wayne) Akey, Susie Kummer, Donna Bartz, Dale (Debbie) Gauerke, Mike (Debbie) Gauerke, Tom Gauerke and Debbie Auner and his sisters-in-law, Grace and Dawn Gauerke, Jodi Bloch and Muriel Zinkowich.  Ken is also survived by many nieces, nephews and many friends.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by five siblings, Bill, Dennis, Diane, John and Dick and his brothers-in-law, Randy Auner, Jim Bartz, Dave Kummer, Bozo and Lee Zinkowich and his mother and father-in-law, Eddie and Martha Zinkowich.

A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.  The Rev. Mark Schwarz will officiate.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from Noon until the time of services all at the church.  In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Kenny’s name.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the people who cared for Kenny over the past 18 months, especially Dr. Edward McKenna.

Kenny’s message to all:  Love you all, Live your life to the fullest, have fun and keep smiling.