Kenneth N. Gifford
Kenneth N. Gifford age 85 of Maiden Rock, died suddenly on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at his home in Maiden Rock.
Ken was born on December 18, 1929 in the Town of Naples, rural Buffalo County. He was the son of James A. and Agnes (Hotter) Gifford. Ken grew up in the in the Little Plum Valley and Town of Union areas. He attended the Farm Hill Country School, Pepin County, Clipperdale Country School, Pierce County and graduated from Plum City High School. After school, Ken farmed with his uncle Charles Gifford for several years. Ken married Catherine Caturia in 1953 and they later divorced. Ken owned and operated his own excavating business, Gifford Excavating for over 25 years. He married Del Mae Wittenberg on May 7, 1981. They farmed in Menomonie for many years. While in Menomonie, Ken and Del were foster parents for many children. Together they moved to their current residence in Maiden Rock, where Ken remained the rest of his life. Ken continued to do grading for the Town of Salem and farmed with his brother David.
Ken was a long-time member of the Menomonie Lions Club. He loved his schnauzers and horses, he has always had them in his life. Ken enjoyed woodworking, camping, gardening and taking care of his lawn. He and Del Mae enjoyed their winters in La Feria, TX. Most of all, Ken loved to spend time with people talking and sharing stories.
Ken is survived by his children; Kristen (Paul) Hofland of Baldwin, Steve (Karen) Traynor of Zimmerman, MN, Teresa (Kelly) Kado of Menomonie and Joe J. (Lynette) Traynor Jr. of Maiden Rock and 14 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, three brothers; James “Jim” (Clara) of Durand, DeWayne of Eau Claire and David (Betty) Gifford of Plum City, one sister; Sharon (Kenneth) Trainor of Elmwood, two brothers-in-law; Robert Krogstad of Eau Claire and Harold “Butch” Bechel of Plum City, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife; Del Mae, two sisters; Patricia Krogstad and Linda Bechel and his ex-wife; Catherine Gifford.
Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the United Methodist Church-Ono in Maiden Rock. Rev. Shannon Mattison will officiate. Burial will be in the Maiden Rock Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Friday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, serving the family.