Kenneth "Ken" W Kust

Kenneth “Ken” W. Kust, 86, Luxemburg, peacefully left us Tuesday morning, January 12, 2021. He was born in Pilsen, WI on June 21, 1934, to the late Joseph J. and Ella M. (Delevaux) Kust. On September 14, 1957 Ken married Eloise C. Opichka at Holy Trinity Church in Denmark. Ken was a Korean war veteran, serving two years in the United States Army, including 18 months in Japan from Aug 3, 1954 to July 27, 1956, and several years in the National Guard. He was a member of the American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262 in Luxemburg. A cheesemaker for 11 years, he then was employed with James River Corp. for nearly 33 years as an Industrial Mason, retiring in May of 1995. Ken was a long-time coon hunter and owned registered redbone coonhounds since 1967. Ken and Eloise were members of the National Redbone Coonhound Association since 1972 and Ken has been a director since 1983. They were also members of the Manitowoc County Coon hunters for many years and members of the Wisconsin Harness Horse Association. They followed many races at the county fairs throughout the state. Ken also enjoyed deer hunting and attending wrestling matches, receiving the Wrestling Fan award in 2009. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters since 1956. He was a former member and usher of All Saints Catholic Church in Denmark and currently a member of St. Mary Church in Luxemburg. Ken is survived by his precious wife of 63 years, Eloise, and their two daughters, Roxanne (Bruce) Klarkowski, LaDonne (Randy) Salentine; five grandchildren, Selina Ashton and her sons, Ryker and Pierce, Lucas (Carly) Klarkowski, Ashley (T.J.) Metzler and their daughters, Andi and Ramzi, Ethan Salentine, Derek Salentine (special friend, Jo Barlament) and his daughter, Mila Salentine; two sisters, Beverly Paye, Diane Brezinski; two brothers in law and two sisters in law, John Frisque, Shirley Kust, Edward (Kay) Opichka; many nieces and nephews. Ken was preceded in death by, his parents; one brother, Roger Kust; four sisters and five brothers in law, Marion (Norbert) Dorner, Grace (Milos) Ledvina, Elaine (Robert) Dorner, Rosalia Frisque, Harold Paye, James Brezinski; his father in law and mother in law, Edwin and Cecelia Opichka. Following the Covid-19 guidelines of limiting gatherings, a private funeral will be held at St. Mary Church, Luxemburg, with Rev. Daniel Schuster officiating. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Luxemburg. Full military rites will be celebrated with the American Legion Ralph Kline Post 262 of Luxemburg, at the graveside. McMAHON FUNERAL HOME, LUXEMBURG, is assisting the Kust Family. www.mcmahonfh.com The family would like to thank the Luxemburg Fire and Rescue Squad, all Doctors and nurses at Bellin Hospital, Bellin Cardiology, the Aurora Clinic in New Franken, and Unity Hospice for all their care and support given to us over the last six months. Ken was a 47 year cancer survivor and lived by these words: "Always look forward, never backward!" He will be missed.