Kenneth (Ken) Trinkner

It is with deep sadness and much love that we share the passing of Kenneth (Ken) Trinkner, a man whose wisdom, faith, and generosity have touched many throughout his life. Ken’s dedication to service, knowledge, and the creation of a better world were evident in his every action. He was a man to be admired, and one that made it his life’s mission to inspire and uplift others. 

Kenneth was born September 7th, 1930 in Bellevue, WI to the late Raymond and Marie (Cornelissen) Trinkner. He attended St. Mary elementary school in De Pere and graduated from De Pere High School in 1948. Ken went on to serve in The United States Air Force from 1951-54 during The Korean War. His military service was a source of pride for him, and he valued the time he spent honoring our nation. On July 28th, 1956, Ken was united in marriage with his lifelong partner, Marlyn J. Albrecht in Rothschild, WI.

Ken had a thirty-year career working for Texaco Oil Company in Green Bay, Wisconsin and then was transferred to Crane, Texas from 1981-1987. A true Wisconsinite, Ken and his wife, Marlyn, returned to De Pere upon his retirement.

Ken had a curious mind. He could always be found reading or engaging in a conversation that inspired and intrigued. He was a man committed to the continuous betterment of both himself and the world he lived in. Ken was known for his constant contributions to his community and his faith. Throughout his life, Ken was a very active member of the Roman Catholic Church. He belonged to St. Francis Church in De Pere, Wisconsin and spent many days and hours volunteering at St. Francis and St. Mary’s churches in De Pere, Wisconsin, Nativity Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin Good Shepherd Church in Crane, Texas and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Odessa, Texas. Ken utilized his wisdom, faith, and commitment to his community by teaching religious classes, starting in 1970 through 2005. He has many fond memories of working with special education students and their families at Nativity Church and working with high school students during confirmation retreats at St. Francis Xavier Church.

Ken’s faith expanded into all areas of his life. He served on the church parish council under the leadership of 3 different pastors and he and his wife, Marlyn, coordinated The Gifting Tree at St. Francis Church for 15 years. This job required soliciting gifts for over 350 people each year and Ken did it all with a smile on his face. Mr. Trinkner also served as Co-Chairman for the St. Francis Annual Picnic for many years and he and his wife handled The Pink Elephant Sale at the picnic. They had 2 booths, the upper room and what Ken affectionately called the “Magic Kingdom Room.” In the “Magic Kingdom” great bargains were facilitated through Ken. Ken also served as co-chairman of St. Francis St. Patrick’s Day Party.

In addition to handling the large events at church, Ken was responsible for training all the altar servers at St. Francis for over two decades, a job he took great pride in. He and his wife also served mass at all the funerals for many years and Ken was a lector and communion distributor. Finally, Mr. Trinkner served his church community as a diocesan trained acolyte at St. Francis, was an associate to the Pastor, and around the altar for 17 years.

Ken was not only a man of faith, but a man of community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Share Program of De Pere, and The De Pere Christian Outreach. At the Outreach Ken served as a building and grounds chairman, day manager at the store, a member of the board of directors and 3 terms as President and Vice-President. As recognition for all of Ken’s community involvement a grateful community awarded him “The Roses for Living Award.” The Rotary Club of De Pere gave this honor to Ken. In 2000 St. Norbert’s College awarded him the prestigious Silver Knight Award, achievements he proudly displayed in his home for his entire life.

Ken was also involved in the Brown County 4-H organizations and he served as the chairman of the Cultural Arts Committee and President of the Brown County 4-H for many years. On the club level Ken and his wife, Marlyn, served as drama, speech, and demonstration leaders. Ken’s club won first place out of 21 clubs in the county drama competition, an achievement that brought him much joy.

Ken is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marlyn, and 4 children: Susan (Michael) Cohen of Madison, WI, Cindy (Michael) Trinkner-Peot of Sister Bay, WI, Greg (Marge) Trinkner of Green Bay, WI and Joan (Lutfi) Shahrani of Madison, WI. Eleven grandchildren, Matthew (Brenda) Schmitt, Emily (Daniel) Bopf, Ross (Briana) Cohen, Annie (Brent) Cohen, Andrew Peot, Aubrey Peot, Chelsea (Tanner) Taves , Tasha (Tony) Poplin, Jassem (Emily) Shahrani, Taj (Meghan) Shahrani and Zane (Kira) Shahrani, and ten great-grandchildren. One sister, Ellie Zirbel of Madison and one sister-in-law, Dorothy (Dottie) Trinkner of Sturgeon Bay. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by, his sister Dorothy Mae Trinkner, his siblings Gordon Trinkner, Richard Trinkner and Mary Quade, his brother-in-law Charles Quade, sister-in-law, Bernice Trinkner, his son-in-law, David Schmitt and his daughter Jean Ann Trinkner. 

Ken will be remembered as a natural born teacher, filled with the spirit and as an exceptional father by his family and those that knew him. There was little Ken would not do to help another, and he lived his life by the values of his faith and the kindness of his heart. 

“Well done, good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan Street, De Pere, on Tuesday, December 31, with visitation from 9:00am until 10:45am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in his name for Unity Hospice.