Kenneth Preder

Kenneth L. Preder, 74, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away in his home on Saturday, November 16th 2013 with his wife and daughters at his side throughout the week as his courageous 6 month battle with lung cancer came to an end. Playfully nicknamed "Superman" by his family, Ken was an earlier survivor of cancer after being diagnosed with lymphoma in August, 2010, undergoing six months of chemotherapy and two years of maintenance treatment. And just when he thought the battle had been won, Ken was diagnosed in May 2013 with mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. His family will be forever grateful for the extra years he gave them between bouts, enabling them to experience family adventures throughout the US including Maui, the Michigan Upper Peninsula, Arizona, the Twin Cities area, and the Pasadena Rose Parade. Ken was born December 31, 1938 in Sheboygan to the late Gordon and Edna (Silvis) Preder. Ken graduated from Central High School in Sheboygan in 1957 where he met the love of his life, June Meyer. Ken would reminisce, saying "My life began when I met June." Ken joined the US Marine Corp in December 1957, stationed 6 months at Camp Pendleton, CA, following up with six years of reserve duty with the 9th Marine Corps Rescue and Recruitment District in Oshkosh. Ken and June were married in Sheboygan on September 27, 1958. Ken worked several years at American Chair before working 39 years at Plastics Engineering Company up to his retirement. In addition to his wife of 55 years, Ken is survived by three daughters, Tammy (Jim) Haluska, Watersmeet, MI, Lori (Penny Jones), Gilbert, AZ and Julie (Derrick) McNeil, Mesa, AZ; two grandchildren Sheila Haluska, Chandler, AZ and Jason Haluska, Lino Lakes, MN; brother James (Sandra) Preder, Plymouth; two sisters, Jane TenHaken, Oostburg and Barbara Scott, Rockport, TX. Sisters-in-law, Mary (Walt) Keil, Sheboygan, Gloria Moser, Sheboygan, and the late Eugene (Ellen) Meyer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Dawn Preder, and brother, Raymond Preder. Ken was an avid golfer and most recently enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, bicycling, exercising, card playing, reading and US travel. Always active and adventurous, Ken wove his athleticism, playfulness and creativity into his life as he enjoyed various sports, passing on his softball skills to his kids, playing tennis, bicycling, and recently learning the new sport of pickle ball. He enjoyed all card games, especially fond of Bridge and Euchre, and was always up for learning the latest social yard games while taking in the fresh air and sunshine. Camping, hiking, and nature were early interests that he shared with his family, creating many fond memories. Ken expressed his creativity in his handy work, yard work, and woodworking. Ken was a member of Tuesday's Mixed and Friday's Senior golf leagues at Crystal Lakes golf course. He was also a member of the Sheboygan Falls Snowmobile Club, Five Corners Snowmobile Club, Falls Couples Bridge Marathon, Castaway Bridge Marathon, Wednesday Sheboygan Senior Center Bridge Group, and the YMCA Silver Sneakers. Ken also volunteered maintaining grounds at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Above all, Ken was a family man, ever so devoted to June, seizing every opportunity to hug and remind his daughters how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. Ken also cherished the time he spent skiing, golfing, and sharing light-hearted words of wisdom with his grandchildren. A funeral service for Ken will be held on Friday, November 22 at 5:00 PM at Zimmer's Westview Funeral and Cremation Care Center (Hwy 42 & JJ, Howards Grove) with Fr. Richard Cerpich presiding. Friends and relatives may visit on Friday at the Funeral Home, from 2:00 PM until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established in Ken's name. The family would like to thank family, friends and neighbors for their prayers, and enduring acts of kindness and support. Special thanks is also extended to Dr. Marshall Matthews and the staff at Matthews Oncology Associates and the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice team members who assisted the family with care in his final days, specifically Paula, Donna, and Lynn. The family is also appreciative of the support and care provided by Americare Hospice while Ken and June were visiting Arizona in November.