Kenneth "Ken" Aurthur Wales

Kenneth “Ken” A. Wales age 72, a lifelong resident of Elkhorn, WI passed away peacefully on Monday August 28, 2023 from complications of dementia.  Ken was born on January 3, 1951 in Elkhorn, WI, son of the late Darrell and Jacqueline (Hohmann) Wales and the oldest of five children. Ken graduated from Elkhorn High school with the class of 1969 and then attended University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he met his bride-to-be Kathleen Connell, marrying in 1975, returning to his hometown to raise his family.  Ken was a competitive sports enthusiast, especially bowling, basketball, softball, golf and always up for a good game of cards. Ken was a talented cook, and enjoyed planting and working in his vegetable garden and loved spending time with and spoiling his grandchildren. 

Ken was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and the Chicago Cubs- formally a Brewer’s fan; he lost his love for the Brewers in 1983 when they traded Gorman Thomas to the Cleveland Indians, he was done with them after that.

In 1980, Ken and his brother Bradley took over the ownership and operations of their family business from their parents-The Elk Restaurant, a staple in the downtown Elkhorn Community; co-owning together until the recent passing of Brad in April, 2022.

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family and his many lifelong friends but memories we cherish will make us smile as we remember this kind, adventurous man who touched many lives and loved spending time with family and friends.

Ken is survived by his loving wife; Kathleen; children; Michelle (Tim) Garant, Rachael Wales, Jeff (Nikki) Wales; siblings; Brian (Anne) Wales, Tom Wales, Tammy (Mike) Olson; grandchildren; Marcus Wales, Miah Garant, Lexi Garant, Kendall Garant, Matthew Burden, Mason Burden, Miles Burden; Aunt; Lillian Hohmann, many nieces and nephews, and in laws. Ken is preceded in death by his parents; Darrell and Jaqueline; and his brother; Bradley.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Evergreen Golf Club N6246 US-12 Elkhorn, WI 53121 on Sunday, October 1st from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm.

A private family inurnment will take place at Hazel Ridge Cemetery at a later date where Ken will be laid to rest. 

Online guestbook can be found at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.