Ken "Rico" Sanders

Ken (Kenny) "Rico" Sanders, 85, of Kaukauna, passed away on the morning of August 8 with his family by his side, joining his many buddies and friends who have passed before him. He was born August 2, 1939, to the late Earl and Mary (Gertz) Sanders.

After graduation from Kaukauna High School in 1957, he enlisted in the United States Army for two years. After brief employment elsewhere, he returned to Kaukauna to begin work at Thilmany Pulp & Paper Company where he worked for 36 years in the wax and poly departments until his retirement.

His hobbies were watching and attending Brewers games and watching the Packers and Badgers. He also bowled for many years. Following retirement, he enthusiastically began a golf regiment at Countryside and then at Mid-Vallee. “Some days were better than others score wise” he said.

In Pembine, he and five friends owned a cabin appropriately called the Six Pack, where he spent hours fishing, playing cards and visiting “Paris in Pembine”, a local watering hole.

For nearly 35 years, he and friends took frequent fishing trips to Canada, Lac Vieux Desert and Minnesota – with much success.

In his younger years, he played softball for Joyce & Tuggy’s Bar in Kaukauna. In later years, he could be seen on his favorite stool at Tommy G’s. “Let’s have one!”

Ken is survived by his three sisters, Kay and Mary Ellen Sanders and Diane (John) Stauffacher; as well as a special friend, Elaine "Swain" Ven Rooy; and his monthly breakfast group.

A memorial visitation will be held for Ken from 9:30-11:00 AM on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at St. Katharine Drexel - St. Mary's Site, 119 W. 7th St, Kaukauna, WI 54130 where he was a faithful, long-time member.  A mass will be held after visitation at 11:00 AM.  Ken will be laid to rest at St. Mary Cemetery in Kaukauna later that day.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Ken and donations will be accepted at the time of service.  

The family wishes to thank Cherry Meadows for their attentiveness and compassion during his week at their facility.