Kenneth Ringel

Kenneth Ringel went peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on March 9th, 2024. Ken was born on October 5, 1940, to Frank and Cora Ringel.
Ken spent his early life in Sheboygan and attended Sheboygan Christian School. He spent two years in the Army and served his time in post-war Korea. Upon returning to Sheboygan, Ken settled into routine life and found jobs in the construction industry. He was a jack-of-all-trades and loved fixing things. He spent the majority of his working life at Watry Industries as a tool and die worker, along with doing machine setup and repair. After a brief attempt at retirement Ken had his own property de-trashing business supporting friends involved in real estate. He also enjoyed caring for his lawn and flower beds, and he was skilled at both.
Ken spent his life in his 20's and 30's chasing things in this world. He came to a moment of crisis after experiencing the consequences and effects of his personal sin and choices. It was through a Billy Graham Crusade that he came to understand his need for forgiveness and new life offered by Jesus, and he called upon Jesus for salvation. His transformed life was a powerful example of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He had a newfound reason for living, and he had a passion for sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of this radical change, he had influence on others coming to faith in Christ for the rest of his life.
Throughout his life, Ken was a caretaker. He spent the early part of his adulthood caring for his mother who died of cancer when he was 20. Another instance of his caregiving nature was shown in how he met the love of his life. She was a single mother of eight children living on a farm, and she needed a
handyman. He volunteered to help her in exchange for meals and pies. Soon after, their working relationship changed into a romantic one, and they were married on October 1, 1985. They were wholly devoted to one another and to their large, blended family. They not only cared for their children and grandchildren, but they also welcomed many foster children into their home, and opened their home to those who had need. He had a special place in his heart for those who were struggling, because he was so thankful for the grace that God had shown to him. His dying wish was to be able to take care of his
wife, Kathy, and that's exactly what he did; she passed into glory in late December of 2023.
Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy Ringel, his parents, Frank and Cora (Cevaal) Ringel, his brothers, Rich Ringel and Don Ringel, his sisters, Charlotte Ringel, Toni Barthels, Caroline Vrubley, and Marion Heinen, his son-in-law, Roger Kaat, and his children, Terri Grunewald and Bryant Ringel. He is survived by his children, Linda (Leo) Guajardo, Matthew (Ker) McClellan, Rob (Jayne) Ringel, Kelly Kaat, Jeni (Steve) Zehnder, Michael McClellan, Julie (John) Ten Haken, Tammy Ringel, Mark (Jenny) McClellan, Milo Harter, and Laura Lee Wright; his sisters, Joyce (Carl) Meggers and Betty (Frank) Konz; brother-in-law, Gene Heinen; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church (1710 N. 15th St, Sheboygan, WI, 53081) on March 16th, at 12 PM. Visitation will be between 10:30-12:00 prior to the memorial service.
The Family is very thankful to the staff at Vince Lombardi Cancer center and Sharon Richardson for their excellent care provided Ken up to, and including his passing.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Ken's arrangements.