Kenneth Ray Gonzales

Kenneth Ray Gonzales, 48, of New Auburn, WI passed away at his home on Sunday, December 11, 2011 after a hard battle with cancer. Kenneth was born in Kenosha, WI on April 26, 1963, the son of Robert and Judith (Davis) Gonzales. When Ken was in the 3 ^rd Grade, he moved with his family to Chetek, WI where he grew up, and graduated high school.

After high school, Ken joined the Army. When his first marriage ended, Ken continued in the military. Throughout his adulthood, he served and worked all over the world. After his 4 years in military service, Ken moved back to Chetek. Among various other jobs, he worked and traveled the United States as a Cable Technician. He joined the Tile Setter’s Union Local 19, and established his life in Chetek. Kenneth married Sheryl Vik on June 6, 2006 in Barron, WI.

Ken was a loyal Green Bay Packer fan, to put it mildly. Ken and Sheryl were very involved and dedicated to the Boy Scout Troup 29. On October 22, 2011 Ken was honored by a fundraiser, hosted by Troup 29, where he was able to fulfill a life-long goal of riding in a hot air balloon. It meant a lot to Ken to have the support of so many family members and friends.

Kenneth leaves to celebrate his memory: loving wife, Sheryl of New Auburn; parents, Robert and Judith of Chetek; son, Kenneth (Katherine) Lambert of Chetek; granddaughters, Elizabeth and Makayla of Chetek; step sons, Jeffrey Blake of Eau Claire and Chris Hansen of New Auburn; step daughter, Jessica Hansen of New Auburn; 3 step grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Traci) and Joseph Gonzales all of Chetek; sister, Catherine (Dave) Hennig of Chetek; mother in law, Phoebe Vik; 3 brothers in law, and 1 sister in law; Many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family and friends, including special friends, Richard “Bear” and Brian, both of Chetek, and Boy Scout Troup 29 of Chetek.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; aunt, Sally Trusty; uncle, Wayne Davis, and other relatives.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Chetek Lutheran Church, with Pastor Guy Redfield officiating. Ken’s family will greet visitors at the church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M.

The Burnham-Ours Funeral Home of Chetek has been entrusted with arrangements.