Keith E. Kenyon

     Keith E. Kenyon, 89, of Sparta, died Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Mayo Clinic Health System, Sparta. He was born on December 22, 1929 in Kendall, WI to C.L. “Les” and Mary (Richardson) Kenyon. He grew up in Kendall and Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School. He then attended UW-Madison for two years.

     Keith joined the US Air Force and served in the 5th Air Force during the Korean War. He flew over a 100 combat missions receiving the National Defense Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.

     While stationed in Sumter, SC, Keith met Carolyn Bradford. They were married on August 29, 1952 in Sumter. After the service they moved back to Sparta.

     Keith owned and operated Ken-Way Corp in Sparta and worked there until his retirement.  He served 12 years on Sparta City Council, 22 years on Monroe County Board, was a member of Kiwanis, Masons, and a Shriner. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to Canada. He enjoyed watching sports and loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events.

     Keith is survived by his wife, Carolyn of Sparta; his children, Keith “Skeeter” (Mona) Kenyon, Steve (Toni) Kenyon, Charles (Linda) Kenyon, and Gregg (Teri) Kenyon all of Sparta; his 10 grandchildren, Dustin (Catrina) Kenyon of Sullivan, WI, Cyndy (Paul DiPietro) Kenyon of Cham, Switzerland, Drew (May Truong) Kenyon of Sun Prairie, WI, Ben (Emily McMahon) Kenyon of Oconomowoc, WI, Chad (Rachel) Kenyon of Cincinnati, IA, Mandy (Greg) Novak of Sparta, Jamie (Steve) Plesha of Duluth, MN, Cody Kenyon, Myah Kenyon, and Seth Kenyon all of Sparta; seven great grandchildren, Max, Lucca, Mila, Yihan, Minha, Carson, and Violet; a sister, Mary Lou Rose of Tomah; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; and an infant brother.

     The family would like to thank the Transitional Care Unit at Sparta Mayo for the excellent care they provided Keith.

     A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, September 13, 2019 at United Methodist Church, Sparta, with Reverend Loretta Waughtal officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by VFW Post 2112 will be in Mt Hope Cemetery, Sparta. A luncheon will follow at Jake’s Northwoods.

     Family and friends are invited to call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and from 11 a.m. until time of services on Friday at the church. Memorials may be given to Freedom Honor Flight of Sparta. 

     The Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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