Kenneth Udelhofen

Kenneth W. Udelhofen, age 87, of Prairie du Sac, formerly Lancaster, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at The Pines Assisted Living, Prairie du Sac, WI. Ken was born on September 29, 1936, in Lancaster, WI, the son of Oscar and Evangeline (Klar) Udelhofen. He was united in marriage to Frances Lawinger in 1958 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, in Dodgeville, WI. She preceded him in death in 1959. On April 26, 1980, Ken was united in marriage to Joyce A. Ryan at St. Clement Catholic Church, in Lancaster, WI. 

Ken was in the Lancaster graduating class of 1954. He served in the Naval Reserve from 1954-1962. Ken was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 2820, and Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109. He worked from 1955 to 1967 at IGA Store in Lancaster. Ken then worked for Dick’s Supermarket where he retired in 2007. He was an avid volunteer and was proud to be part of the Holiday Project where they organized and helped families in need. Ken was a recipient of the Knights of Columbus, Family, and Knights of the Year awards. In addition, Ken was awarded the Leadership Award for his “Faith in Action” from the Catholic Charities of Madison in 2015. He waited his entire life for the Cubs to become World Series Champions and was so very proud to wear his 2016 World Championship Hat. Ken loved conversation as he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and without a doubt would find a personal connection to the person. Ken’s storytelling will be greatly missed by many. 

Survivors include his son Michael (Nancy) Udelhofen of Prairie du Sac, their children: Marc (Anna) Udelhofen of Grand Rapids, MI, Carly (Branden) Zick, of Lodi, WI;  Two Stepsons: Steven (Jodi) Ryan, Waunakee, Joe (Andrea) Ryan, Lancaster; two Stepdaughters: Jane Burns, CA, Cathy (Charles) Gibson, Florida; grandchildren: Sara (Nate) Roloff, Kelli (Eric) Gross, Jenna (Julian) Edwards, Jay (Carrisa) Ryan, Alyssa and Alex Gibson, Ryan Burns, Christopher and Matthew Gibson, Andy (Nicole) Ryan; 11 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wives, Frances and Joyce, Ken was preceded in death by his siblings: Leroy “Red”, Rodger “Cager”; Stepson, Stan Ryan; brother and sister-in-law, Danny and Margaret Lawinger; brother-in-law, Patrick Finn; and sister-in-law, Anita “Rosie” Udelhofen. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Lancaster with Msgr. Thomas Baxter officiating. Military rites will follow accorded by the Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109 and the William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344 of Lancaster.  Private family burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Dodgeville, WI, at a later date.  Family and friends may call on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home.  Ken’s family invites all those joining us to stay after the service for a luncheon at the funeral home.

Ken’s Family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Pines Assisted Living in Prairie du Sac, for all the kindness and wonderful care of Ken over the last four years.