Kenneth “Ken” Sambs, age 86, of Tigerton entered eternal life on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Kenneth Frank Sambs was born on November 22, 1933 in Tigerton to Frank and Lena (Westphal) Sambs. Ken has two brothers, Michael (Lillian) Sambs of Menasha, Charles (Annette) Sambs of Tigerton, and one sister, Jean Sambs of Tigerton. There is one nephew, Mark (Shelly) Sambs of Antigo; and three nieces, Mary (David) Grishaber of Greenville, Julie (John) Stilp of Neenah, Denise Dundas of Kokomo, IN. He is further survived by eight great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many other relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; one brother Michael and his wife Lillian; and one sister, Jean.
Ken was a lifelong resident of Tigerton, except for the nine years that he was associated with the Capuchin Fathers. After graduating from Tigerton High School, he worked one year for his Dad in the Implement business, before spending three years at St. Lawrence Seminary, Mt. Calvary, WI and then nine years with the Capuchin Fathers in Detroit, MI, Huntington, ID, and Marathon, WI. After leaving the Capuchins he worked about 1 ½ years for his Dad before becoming the parts manager for Farmers Implement, Shawano, for 10 years. Ken then went to work for Point Truck Sales / Mid-State Truck as parts manager for 20 years before retiring in 1992.
Ken was very active in his community and his Church. He was one of the founding fathers of the Tigerton Main Street program and remained active on the Board of Directors and chairman of the Organizational Committee as well as being Treasurer for over 11 years. He often volunteered with the Tigerton Area Historical Society and was President for 3+ years. Ken served as a Village Trustee for over 30 years. During his time with the Village he helped build a new Community Center/Library/Clerk’s Office/Trustee meeting room; as well as helping with the purchase of the ATV Park; and construction of the Municipal/Ambulance Garage. He served on almost every Village of Tigerton committee and was Financial Chairman for over 10 years. He also served on the Shawano County Planning Committee for some time.
Ken’s activities did not stop with just the community. He served his church, St. Anthony’s in Tigerton, in many capacities. He worked on the Pastoral and Financial Councils; and was president of the Pastoral Council when the new church was built. Ken enjoyed helping as Sacristan, Lector, Communion distributor, as well as a confidant to many of the Pastors throughout the years. He assisted the Pastor in streamlining the accounts for Wittenberg and Marion, helped with the transition of Holy Family-St. William in Wittenberg after the death of Fr. Claude. Ken was proud to work on the Pastoral Staff when there were temporary administrators. He was ordained a Permanent Deacon in 1987 and served at St. Anthony – Tigerton, St. Mary – Marion, Holy Family-St. William – Wittenberg, and St. Mary – Leopolis, when they were all linked parishes. Ken served in this capacity for 25 years until health reasons forced him to retire.
Ken was also one of the shareholders for the construction of the Tiger Creek Apartments in 1994 and was the Treasurer until the complex was sold in December of 2016.
Since 1963, Ken was a member of the local council Knights of Columbus and was Grand Knight for two terms. He was also District Deputy of District #3 for four years; was Warden for the State Deputy for four years; held various other offices; and was Financial Secretary since 1998.
Ken was a member of the Marion Area Ministerial Association (MAMA) since 1997 and helped as treasurer since 2000. He was a member of the HOPE Counseling Board and as a treasurer with the House of Hope (HOH) Board. He helped with the purchase of a building, the loan, and its renovation which houses the Resale Shop for HOH.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton. Fr. Matthew Settle will officiate and Fr. John Girotti will concelebrate. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, and on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of mass at the church. Please consider a memorial in Ken’s memory to either Tigerton Area Historical Society or Tigerton Main Street Program.
Our family wishes to especially thank Nancy Michaelis for the years of compassionate and loving care provided to Ken.
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