Kenneth I. Johnsrud, age 96, of Fennimore died on Sunday morning Jan. 6, 2019 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society. He was born on Dec. 8, 1922 in Castle Rock Township Grant Co., WI the son of Enos and Andrea (Lewis) Johnsrud. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Munson in April of 1948 and together had six children. Kenneth and Marilyn later divorced, and on June 17, 1995, Kenneth married Evelyn Welch.
Kenneth graduated from Fennimore High School in 1941, spent time working on the family farm, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as part of the 603rdMedium Tank company in Okinawa, Japan until being honorably discharged in 1946. After returning home from military service Kenneth worked various construction jobs including building cast silos in the area. In 1956 Ken went to work for General Motors of Janesville on 3rdshift until retiring after 31 years in 1987. While being employed at GM, he also worked days at Marklein Builders in Janesville for numerous years. Kenny also operated his farm in Castle Rock Township, cash cropping, and enjoyed woodworking and cutting wood. Before retirement Ken picked out a site on the Johnsrud farm for his retirement home and cut trees from his property and used the lumber from his land to build his home and numerous pieces of furniture. Kenny was a determined man always finding a way. He had many good years following his retirement. He traveled the world and made sure to visit his numerous Army buddies. Kenny was an active member of the Castle Rock Lutheran Church and the Fennimore American Legion. He was a humble and hardworking man who was a friend to everyone.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved wife of over 23 years Evelyn of Fennimore, five children; Judy (Virgil) Cupples of Macon, GA, Phil (Mary) Johnsrud of Iola, Teresa (Glen) Whiteaker of Macon, GA, Barbara (Louie) Muench of Cumberland, Brian (Sherry) Johnsrud of Montfort, four step children; Steve (Becky) Welch of Hopkinton, IA, Garry (Darlene) Welch of Janesville, Peggy (Tony) Hrubes of Stitzer, Dan (Shelly) Welch of Argyle, 13 grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, 17 step-great grandchildren, sister-in-law Donna Grunenwald of Livingston, and brother-in-law John Draggs of Fennimore.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, son Bruce Johnsrud, brother Dayton Johnsrud, and sister Virginia Stich.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday Jan. 12, 2019 at the Castle Rock Lutheran Church in Hickory Grove Township Grant Co., WI. Burial will be held at a later date in the church cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be held from 4-6:00 P.M. on Friday Jan. 11, 2019 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Saturday morning.