"Ken" "Dad" and "Papa"

On Saturday, November 26, 2022, the Lord asked Ken, "are you ready?" Because it's time for you to come home. Dad always got up whether he wanted to go or not. Kenneth's death was sudden and unexpected, but in a place that brought him joy and peace.

Kenneth was born in Appleton on December 1, 1951, to Lester and Myrtle Fickel. On February 2, 1980, he married Denise Woods and together shared 42 years of marriage. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Denise; his five children: Ryan (Claire) Fickel, Kevin Fickel, Leslie (Jesse) Matz, Cory Fickel and Nicholas Fickel; four grandsons: Isaac, Ethan and Asher Matz and Bennett Fickel; his brothers: Robert Fickel and Dennis (Lorie) Fickel and many nieces and nephews. He was proud of all of his children and they all looked up to him with much respect. There wasn't one of them that wouldn't seek advice from dad.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Myrtle Fickel and sister-in-law Becky Fickel.

Ken worked for St. Elizabeth Hospital and was proud for a short time to have his own business called Kenco. The majority of his career was working at Faith Lutheran Church as a Superintendent of Building and Grounds for 30 years retiring in 2017. After a hard day's work, you would often find dad sitting outside enjoying the day or watching television. He enjoyed everything from old reruns, westerns, crime shows, and any movie with the kids. You would always catch a tear rolling down his cheek during an emotional scene.

Ken was every definition of a hardworking man. He was a provider for his family. The true jack of all trades, and there was nothing he couldn't do or fix. He had a sense to notice when someone was feeling down and would do anything he could to turn that frown upside down. As dad would say get rid of those Grandpa Lester lips. With a good sense of humor, he could always make you laugh. He would do anything for anyone at any time. All you had to do was ask and he would be right there. Knowing he could help out and make people happy and do what he could brought him happiness.

Ken shared many memories with his children camping at local campgrounds, and many summers were spent at a permanent site at Pine Grove Campground in Shawano. Shawano always held a special place as growing up was spent camping at Shawano County Park. Many fun times shared as a child and into his adult years enjoying the lake and get togethers around the campfire with family and friends. In the last 17 years the Northwoods became a place to enjoy with his family. Many weekends throughout the year were shared in Minocqua with his wife sitting by the water, going out for dinner, walking the town, and simply enjoying each other's company. When not in Minocqua it was spent at his son's trailer in Lake Tomahawk. Whether it was helping to fix things up, walks, going fishing, enjoying a boat ride, grilling burgers, enjoying a fire, and playing with the grandchildren. Seeing his grandchildren run down to Kevin's place and bust through the door would light up his face.

Simple moments meant the most, anything to be with the family. Just simple company reminiscing with his brothers at dinner, day trips to the casino with his wife and brother Bob, family get togethers, or hearing about his children's day.

Memorial Services for Ken will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 3 PM at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dan Thews officiating. Friends may visit from 1 PM until the time of the service. He will be laid to rest at Wilderness Rest Cemetery in Lake Tomahawk.

A special thank you to his sons Kevin and Cory who showed strength and courage to initiate life saving measures. Also, to the Newbold first responders, Oneida County Med 5 and Oneida County Sheriff who did all they could.

A Tribute to my Dad

Who is that man with the gentle face,

Who in his youth kept a hectic pace,

To provide for his family all that he could,

Who is that man so giving and good?

Who is that man with the ready smile,

Who always took time to sit for a while?

He was there when his family needed him there,

Who is that man with the gray in his hair?

Who is that man who encouraged us all,

And helped us up when we took a fall,

Spending a lifetime extending his hand,

Who is that kind, compassionate man?

Who is that man who we all adore,

The man who these words of devotion are for?

I'll tell you with all of the love that I can,

"My Dad" is that truly exceptional man!

Copyright 1994 Genie Graveline