Ken Hutjens

De Pere - Ken Hutjens, 79, was called home by the Lord suddenly August 7, 2022. The son of the late Ray and Susan (Vanden Hoogen) Hutjens, Ken was born June 25, 1943.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962 – 1964 as a supply clerk, company clerk and artillery fire direction computer, stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged as an SP5 E-5. On August 28, 1965, he was united in marriage to Mary Vande Voort at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown.

Ken spent 35 years in the hardware services industry, traveling Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. He was a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s. Ken served on the De Pere City Council and Park Board from 1981 – 1985.

He had many interests, especially fly-fishing trips with his son Dan and golf with the guys. Ken loved to cook, was a life-long learner and avid reader, especially of historic biographies. He loved to know what made things tick and was a master at do-it-yourself repair. After retirement Ken was a regular volunteer at St. John’s Homeless Shelter. He was also a member of Trout Unlimited and Classic Anglers of WI.

We were so blessed to have Ken in our lives for so many years. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Mary; children Dan, Debbie (Jonathon Nelson) and a circle of friends who shared the love of golf. Siblings, Jean Geurts, Stan (Marcia) Hutjens, Roger (Diane) Hutjens, Betty (Dave) Thaldorf and Gordy (Debbie) Hutjens; three brothers-in-law; Dick Cavil, Bruce Melton, Bill Wegner, and Mary’s extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, and four siblings, Dottie Melton, Paul Hutjens, Rosemary Cavil, and Joanne Wegner.

Ken’s family extends a special thank you to the De Pere Police/Rescue, Bellin ER and ICU for all their care and compassion, and to Father Ben for his spiritual blessings.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Community (4805 Sportsman Drive, Ledgeview) on Monday August 15, 2022, from 9am until 10:45am, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with Father Ben Johnson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John’s Ministries of Green Bay (stjohnsgreenbay.org).
Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.