Kenneth Winslow

Stetson

Kenneth W. Stetson, 87, died unexpectedly in an automobile accident on March 12, 2025. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who truly lived his Lake Mills Rotary Club's motto "Service Above Self".

Ken married the love of his life, Dixie, in 1959 and raised four children who in turn, enriched their lives with thirteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren of whom he was very proud.
He and Dixie cheered their kids and grandkids on at sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, and milestone events. They cherished summers spent together at their lake home here in Lake Mills. After Dixie's sudden passing in 2015, Ken found new love and companionship with Peggy Hoppe with whom he traveled, tried his luck at various casinos, and enjoyed many shows at the Fireside Theater.

He was a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he followed in his father's footsteps as a letter-winning wrestler. He loved watching his beloved Badgers compete and was a proud season-ticket holder at Camp Randall with Dixie for many years.

Ken taught English and History at Jefferson High School and coached wrestling, cross country, and track as he began his career in education. He was most proud that his students dedicated their yearbook to him in one of his first years there. He went on to teach at Kankakee Community
College followed by a move to Northeastern Illinois University where he transitioned into administration and at one point, was Acting Provost. He earned his PhD from Loyola University and continued to touch the lives of countless students who were lucky to have him as a teacher,
administrator, or coach during his career in education.

He was pre-deceased by his beautiful wife of nearly sixty years, Dixie, his brother Robert Stetson, his sister-in-law Marilyn Stetson, and his brother-in-law Robert Colter.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Fran Colter, his children Jeffrey (Laura) Stetson, Deborah (Craig) Bauer, Steven (Dallie) Stetson, and Mark (Stefani) Stetson, his grandchildren Nicholas (Natalie) Gutierrez, Steven Stetson, Julie (Nick) Talarico, Kelsey (Sam) Rusch, Lindsey (Vince) Sciano, Haley (Sam Fogas) Bauer, Mackenzie Bauer, Matthew Stetson, Ken Stetson, Morgan Stetson, Tom Stetson, Michael Stetson, and Dan Stetson and his great-grandchildren Julian and Mateo Gutierrez, Emily and Kaylee Talarico, and Beckett and Carter Sciano, and his nephew, nieces, and cousins. He will be dearly missed by Peggy, his church family, his fellow Rotarians, and his card playing buddies.

Ken treasured time spent with his family and loved playing cards and sharing laughter. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church where he headed the legendary church Peanut Project. He served multiple terms on the Lake Mills School Board and Community
Foundation and was a dedicated member of the Lake Mills Rotary Club. Lake Mills was a special place to him and he loved this community wholeheartedly.

A small service will be held for the family with a celebration of life planned for this summer. His family would love for everyone to wear red or Badger apparel. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Lake Mills Community Foundation to establish a scholarship in Ken's memory for a Lake Mills student pursuing a degree in education. He was a life-long learner and supporter of schools and teachers
and the differences they could make in young lives.

Ken will be truly missed by all who knew him but especially by his family. We love you, Dad.