Kenneth “Ken” Roger Patenaude, age 81, of Winter, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on September 18, 2026. He was born November 9, 1944, in Lena, Wisconsin, to Lucian and Margaret Patenaude. He grew up on a dairy farm along with his sisters and graduated from Lena High School in 1962.

Ken married the love of his life, his beloved “Honey Bunchie,” Elyne “Faye” Gallik, on August 17, 1968. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and service to their community.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Ken spent 25 years as general manager of the Winter Cooperative. He took great pride in the Co-op and was passionate about its success, believing it was at the heart of a strong and thriving Winter community. Earlier in his career, Ken and Faye owned and operated Ken’s Market and later the Rustic Roost, a restaurant, bar, and motel in Iron River, Wisconsin during the 1970s.

Ken proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968 as a member of the 584th Engineer Corps, attaining the rank of Sergeant First Class and serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life. He was an active member of the Iron River and Winter Lions Clubs, Winter American Legion Post 303, and served as the first post commander of the VFW in Iron River. He was also a devoted member of Zion Lutheran ELCA Church in Winter, served on the Winter Co-op Board and participated several years on the July Jubilee Committee.

While Ken accomplished much throughout his life, his greatest pride and joy was his family. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and treasured time fishing and boating with family, especially on the Pike Lake Chain. Cooking Sunday breakfasts was his specialty! He was also always ready to offer advice—whether it was asked for or not.

Ken was a natural storyteller and had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. A stranger could quickly become a friend, because Ken genuinely enjoyed people and never seemed to run out of something to talk about. He had a remarkable memory for the things he loved. He could identify classic cars by their make and year and never tired of sharing how he met Faye. And when the opportunity presented itself, he certainly never minded enjoying a beer! Hooyah!

Ken is survived by the love of his life, Faye; his children, Terry Patenaude, Kathy (Lee) Bialkowski, and Kenny (Janelle) Patenaude; his grandchildren, Taylor (Alisa) Patenaude, Bailey (Hayden) Gran, Ella Patenaude, Grant Patenaude, and Arianna Patenaude; his sisters, Jean Bourassa and Karen Osowski; and his brothers-in-law, Bill Gallik, Bob (Carol) Gallik, and Frank Gallik. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and members of the Iron River and Winter communities whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, generosity, and commitment to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucian and Margaret; siblings Ronald and Rosane; and in-laws Frank, Eleanor, Harold, Ken, Jim, Kay, and Carol; and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

Ken will be remembered not only for the work he did, but for the people he loved, the community he served, the stories he told, the advice he shared, and the countless everyday moments that made life meaningful. His legacy will live on through his family, his community, and the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Zion Lutheran ELCA Church, 5268 N Cemetery Road, Winter, Wisconsin. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 noon, with lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Winter School District Fund to Save the School or Zion Lutheran ELCA Church in Winter.