Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services Offering dignified services since 1919

Back to Obituaries

Kenneth F Kartman

Kenneth F Kartman

Kenneth F. Kartman (age 74) of Arkansaw, WI passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 25, 2022.  He was born in Lancaster, WI on September 14, 1947 to Francis and Leone (Ackerman) Kartman.  Ken grew up in Cassville, WI and spent his childhood fishing, hunting and enjoying the Mississippi River.  He graduated from Cassville High School in 1965 where he was an outstanding basketball and football player.  In April 1966 he married Janis Cobean at St. Charles Church in Cassville.  Together they have a daughter, Bethann (Bruce) Mahle of Plum City WI.  He graduated from UW-Platteville in 1970 with a BS in Secondary Social Studies.

He spent one year teaching in Gays Mills, WI.  He was a teller at the Mound City Bank in Platteville for one year and then became the Manager and Chief Loan Officer of the Hazel Green Branch of the Cuba City State Bank for 16 years.  He then embarked on a new career as a carpenter working for Gary Gilbert Construction, the Prism Corporation, and Construction Services Unlimited, all of Hazel Green, WI.  He retired in 2005 and he and Jan moved to Arkansaw, WI in 2007 to be near their daughter and her husband.

In every stage of his life, Ken enjoyed giving and serving the communities in which he lived.  As a youth he was a Boy Scout, an altar boy, a lifeguard, and helped many elderly neighbors with chores.  As an adult he served on the Hazel Green Fire Department, receiving the Fire Fighter of the Year Award in 1979.  He spent many enjoyable hours providing entertainment for others through singing in the Hazel Green Community Chorus.  He was a member of the Hazel Green Lions Club for over 30 years participating in numerous projects including establishing a Public Library and building a picnic shelter.  Ken and Jan, along with five other couples provided the seed money and labor for what would become the Hazel Green Park and Ball Fields, even participating in an elephant race against the mayor to promote a park fundraiser.  After moving to the Arkansaw area Ken helped with remodeling of the Pepin County Food Pantry, working at the Eau Galle Sportsmen Club fundraisers, ringing bells for the Salvation Army, cleaning up 4 miles of County D through the Adopt-A-Highway program, and decorating for Christmas at the Arkansaw Creek Park.  He was Jan’s biggest supporter in the activities that were important to her, especially Fill a Book Bag and the Durand Swim Club. He was also a multi-gallon Red Cross Blood Donor.

Ken enjoyed many hobbies.  Among them were duck decoy collecting, playing Euchre, playing softball until age 50, woodworking (especially making birdhouses), feeding the birds, maintaining a bluebird trail, and preserving his beautiful wooded lot.  He was an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, Durand Panthers, and Southwestern Wildcats. Together he and Jan spent many enjoyable hours touring the backroads in their 1990 Miata.  They also travelled extensively in the US and throughout the world, visiting five of the seven continents and over 50 countries. 

Ken is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan; his daughter Bethann (Bruce) Mahle of Plum City, WI; a sister Judy (Carroll) Hermanson of Donna, TX; two brothers, Mark (Jacqui) Kartman of Coon Valley, WI and Kurt (Laurie) Kartman of Stoddard, WI.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and treasured friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Nancy Adrian, a nephew David Hermanson and special pets Fitz and Bud.

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held at the Durand Rod and Gun Club, N7312 WI Hwy 25, Eau Galle, WI 54737 on Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 2-5 PM. If you desire, in Ken’s memory and in the spirit of his life,  you may donate to a charity or organization of your choice.  His family would appreciate knowing the many ways his life was paid forward.  It was said that Ken was a good man, a true friend, and could lift the spirits of anyone around him.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Todd Colby

    When I remember Hazel Green I think of the Kartmans and Fitz. Ken made the best popcorn on a Friday night after the basketball games.

  2. DAVID REYNOLDS

    I remember Mr. Kartman Cartman as a Banker and Hazel Green. He always had a Very friendly response as I walked by the door of the bank and said hello. I was very saddened to hear of his passing, may he R.I.P.
    Ken Will always be in my prayers as well the rest of his family.

  3. Gary Meier

    Two things that I recall: Ken being in Mr. Springer’s algebra class with me and his big, 4 door Packard car. RIP KEN.

  4. Kristine Polzer

    Jan and family, Ken always had a smile when you saw him. He will be missed by many.

    Sincerely,
    Dave and Kris Polzer

  5. Sandy & Rick Wayne

    Our condolences to the family. Ken always had a smile and a kind word. He was always there to help Rick when he needed it. We will miss him.

  6. Bill & Shirley Sanders

    So very sorry Jan. You and Ken have been great friends over the years we have known you. We treasure the memories of the sunset conversations on the pier and Kens dad jokes. Thank you for being our friend.

  7. Marilyn Meyer

    My condolences to you Jan, Beth & Bruce. May much Love surround you as you go through this time of loss. May the many memories you've created with Ken bring you peace as you recall the good times together. Ken was a fun cousin and a giving soul helping others and I do think he loved your garden too!

  8. Barb. Overman

    Sorry sorry for you loss, enjoy visiting with at the coffee meetings group.
    Take care.2

  9. Jan Enfelt

    Jan and Beth;
    I’m shocked and sadden to hear of Ken’s passing. Please know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
    Jan Enfelt

  10. Floyd and Marge Briggs

    We were deeply saddened and shocked at his passing. We will forever miss his friendship and humor. Our prayers are with the family.

  11. Donna Karshbaum

    Ken was a Great Man, Loved his talks, God Bless You All ????❤️????

  12. Linda Bysong

    I'm so sorry for the loss of your husband Janis. I miss working with you on the fill a book bag project.

  13. Jodene Anderson

    Jan Beth and Bruce
    Our sympathy to you!!! A great man that left a big hole in your family and our community!! My granddaughter cried when she heard that she would never hear the worm song again!! Ken had a huge giving heart and he made an impression on all he had contact with!!!
    Love Mike and Jodie

  14. Linda Knapp

    So sorry to hear this . Ken and Jan are special people. He will be missed. Many prayers for you Jan. May the wonderful memories comfort you.

View More Posts ( # )