Kenneth Then

Kenneth M. Then, age 72 passed away at his home in Sun Prairie, WI on Tuesday, August 9, 2022.  He was born August 31, 1949, in Ashland WI, to Marie I. (Flaherty) Then and Theodore R. Then.  He married Valerie Wyer on March 11, 2000, in Madison, WI.

Ken graduated from Ondossagon HS, Bayfield County WI in 1967.  A lifelong student, he earned a BS Degree from UW Stout in Industrial Technology-Manufacturing Engineering, a Graduate Certificate in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) from UW Madison (2012) and completed various coursework through the years at both MPTC Fond du Lac and MATC Madison.

His professional career was spent primarily in manufacturing in the roles of purchasing agent, IT administration, computer systems analyst, cost analyst and production scheduling.  After retiring, Ken drove school bus for several years to keep and collect interesting stories.

Ken’s greatest professional achievement and personal satisfaction came from his 34+ years in the Armed Forces.  He served with the USMC in Vietnam and then with the Wisconsin National Guard.  Throughout those 34 years he completed military coursework on a regular basis until he retired as an E-9 Sgt Major in 2002.  As part of the retired reserve, Ken was called to active duty in 2006 at the age of 59, assigned to the Multinational Force-IRAQ for an 11 month deployment.  His family is especially proud of his service.

Ken and Val traveled extensively throughout the country on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles creating many great memories and wonderful stories to share.  In 2017 Ken was diagnosed with lung cancer which had already metastasized.  He maintained a great attitude and numerous trips were taken during those five years whenever the opportunity arose.  One last cross country trip was taken to Idaho in November 2021.

Ken is survived by his wife, Valerie Wyer, daughters Dana (Then) Hatch (Greg), Sara (Then) Flatt (Justin), stepson Ian Seth, (Kenzie Munroe), step-grandchildren Madison, Sawyer, Ryten, Asher, and Henry, sister, Barbara (Then) Kurilla, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a bother John, and a sister Mary.

A private family service and burial is planned.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society per Ken’s request.