Kenneth R. Parish

Kenneth R. Parish, age 78, passed away on November 5, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Ken was born to John and Florence (Rudd) Parish in Detroit, MI on August 6, 1946. He was brought up with his younger sister Chris (Christina). Ken attended Wayne State University and the University of Michigan where he received dual bachelor's degrees. He worked as a Process Control/Instrumentation Engineer at various companies in California and Wisconsin (Green Bay).

Ken and Sandy Westenberger (Menasha) were married in November of 2000 in his sister's living room in CA. Ken had a great love for "his" Burt Lake in Michigan (just south of the Mackinac Bridge)! He fell in love with the lake as an 11 year old boy thanks to childhood friend Rob Shelley and was hooked! He has a wonderful little cottage there with great neighbors nearby. It was one of his greatest treasures. He had been fortunate to spend a lot of time there since 1986 when he moved back to the midwest from California! Many ENTIRE summers have been enjoyed since retirement! He loved the water and wind in his hair!

Ken was a bit of a gear head and enjoyed riding his motorcycles, four-wheeling, and particularly jet skiing and boating on Burt Lake. This past summer he did all of that with oxygen tanks!! He has hauled a couple of generations of kids tubing, skiing, and sunbathing both behind and on his boat. Ken had enjoyed taking several long motorcycle trips with great buddy and former neighbor, Jack Hill. 

He was a beloved husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great uncle and friend to many! He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter (1969). 

He is survived by his wife Sandy, beloved sister and brother-in-law Christina and Dennis Hemme, nephew John Hemme, John's wife Nancy, nephew Joe Hemme, Joe's wife Karina, great nephews and nieces: Zachery Hemme, Paige Hemme, Riley Hemme, Reece Hemme and Amelia Hemme. Noting a few of his lifelong friends: Pat and Linda Tutak (MI), Phil and Sue Case (MI), Tracy Harpster (OH), Rich and Carol Hazy (MI), Greg Paulson (FL), Jim and Laura Covault (OH), Jack Hill (CA), Wade and Donna Webster.(VA), Ernie Edge (MI) and Laura Edge (MI).

A memorial service will take place on Monday November 25, 2024, at 11:00am at St Paul Lutheran Church, 200 N Commercial St, Neenah. Friends and family may gather at the church from 10:00am until the service begins.