Kendall (“Ken”) Gordon Raether was born in Algoma, WI, on July 21, 1941, the son of Gordon and Luella (Mickelson) Raether. They moved to Caroline in 1947, where Gordon started a farm implement dealership. While attending school, Ken worked alongside his father at Caroline Implement and cherished spending time with his younger siblings.
Ken graduated from Marion High School in 1959. He continued working for the family business until he was drafted in 1964. Ken served in Vietnam as an Army tank gunner and was honorably discharged in 1966. He returned from the war to continue his career with Caroline Implement. Ken cared deeply about the local farming community and brought honesty and integrity to all of his deals.
Ken fell in love with Sue Smith and they married on March 24, 1973. They built a home in Caroline and raised three children. Ken enjoyed vacationing with family, studying history, and managing woodlands. He paid close attention to local and national news and loved family comedies. Ken was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as a council member and head usher for many years.
Ken was quick with a laugh and he brought joy to his coworkers, customers, friends, and family. A consummate salesman, successful businessman, and recipient of numerous awards, Ken cared most about the people in his life.
Ken retired in 2012 to focus on his battle with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Despite that struggle, he found happiness in the company of his family, whether relaxing at the cabin or speeding along in a Gator. He will forever be remembered by those that knew him as thoughtful, gentle, witty, smart, positive, dependable, selfless, generous, humble, and kind.
Ken died on Thursday morning, October 21, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sue Raether; son Jason (Julie) Raether; daughters Keri (Ryan) Cavitt, Edie (Lewis) Goodell; grandchildren Leif & Evan Cavitt, Lily & Jackson Raether; and brothers Gary (MaryBeth) Raether, David (Kim) Raether. He is preceded in death by his parents Gordon & Luella Raether and his sister Karen Welch.
A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held on November 13th at 12:00 Noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marion. Rev. Rolf Morck will officiate and inurnment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Grant. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church. In lieu of plants, flowers, and gifts, the family would appreciate donations to one of the following charities: Wisconsin Parkinson’s Association, Marion Historical Society, Caroline & Marion Lion’s, Navarino Nature Center, and Zion Lutheran Church Caroline.
Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting with the arrangements.
Comments