Kenneth Clarence Gassen, Sr., 80 of Pardeeville, WI, passed away surrounded by loved ones February 8, 2025. He was born  May 15th, 1944, to Clarence A Gassen and Jernette Wiehert in Columbus, WI.

Ken attended Pardeeville High School and after graduating he then began his journey into farming. Before long, Ken met the love of his life, Gloria Jimenez, while gaining experience in agricultural practices during the summer months in Cambria, WI. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in San Antonio, Texas, more than 61 years ago on December 4th, 1963. After settling down in rural Pardeeville, Ken and Gloria started their family. They had three children that meant the world to them. Shortly after starting their family, Ken began his career on July 24th, 1969, as a Union Laborer working for Monona Masonry until retiring November 1st, 2002.

Ken bestowed his craftsmanship as he would often aid his three children in many projects. From building homes to propagating the perfect garden, Ken’s imparted knowledge was passed down to his children where they were taught not only building and repair skills, but the art of growing produce and properly pruning your fruit trees. Ken was only a call or drive away to answer or assist in any need for his children, who he loved dearly.

Though he loved farming, the outdoors, and the Green Bay Packers, Ken’s favorite role was that of grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their Grandpa and Great Grandpa, never failing to fill your arms with the field’s bounty or nature’s harvest. Most visits to Ken and Gloria’s farm included grandkids taking part in picking fresh produce from the family garden. From tomatoes to raspberries, apples to sweet corn, or his delicious seedless watermelons, no one left empty handed. If the fish weren’t biting on the farm pond, Ken would always assist by throwing a scoop or two of fish food into the water creating a feeding frenzy. 

Ken rarely missed a Packer game on TV, and could always be seen wearing a ball cap representing his favorite green and gold team. Ken will always be remembered for his produce farming and his reputable stand that would be parked in Pardeeville. Ken took great pride in all his produce, but he was known for having the best sweet corn available in the county. Ken and Gloria were always generous to their patrons that would visit their stand, and would extend their generosity by donating any surplus produce to local food pantries. He enjoyed driving his tractors in the annual 4th of July parade and loved showcasing them at the Chandler Park Car Show over Labor Day weekend. In amongst his busy hard working lifestyle, he managed to find the time for another joy of watching tractor pulls.  

Anytime you worked on a project with Ken, you could be sure to hear some of his favorite quotes like, “Don’t worry about the mule, just load the wagon”, and “The learner hasn’t learn’t what the teacher hasn’t taught” before you were done. If you wanted to quit work early because it looked like bad weather or you were fatigued, you would be certain to hear, “Keep your head down, I’ll let you know when it’s raining.” We couldn’t have asked for a better son/sibling/husband/parent/grandparent/great grandparent, and will miss Ken every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

Kenneth is survived by his wife: Gloria Gassen; his brother: Melvin Lange; his children: Kenneth Gassen Jr (Linda Reinbolz Boville), Bonnie Gassen (Craig Glover), Barbara (Jim) Nisius; his grandchildren: Natasha (Chris) Hubert, Logan Gassen, Colt Noordhof, Danyelle (Curtis) DeBoer, McKenzie Nisius, Taylor Nisius (Jacob Ferguson), Reis Nisius; his great-grandchildren: KeiraLyn, KayLeigh and Kaden Hubert, Arya and Henry Noordhof, and Evelyne DeBoer. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sibling Linda Thurber.   

There will be a private celebration of life with the family.