Kenneth R. Pike

Kenneth Pike actively enjoyed life at Wellington Place in Hartford, until passing earlier this month after a brief stay at Kathy's Hospice in West Bend. A retrospect of his life of over 100 years shows the many ways his love and support took form. The greatest was the happy 65 year marriage to his bride Janet Pike (now deceased) and joy in his sons Gary and Robert (also deceased). He continued the feeling of family with Alexa, his daughter-in-law. He lived at Triangle Fraternity until he received his degree in 1940 in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Madison. His career spanned 32 years serving the outboard motor industry by developing patents and being a member of the Boating Industry Assoc. and at Chrysler Outboard Corp as Chief Research Engineer. While working and being a wonderful Dad, he continued to serve and support many Hartford activities. Among these was being a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Civil Defense County Radiological officer, Chairman Masonic "Lifeline" project for Hartford Hospital, and Hartford Auxiliary Police. His civic work received many awards. One of his most cherished activities was his work with the Boy Scouts. As a Troop Leader, who later received the Silver Beaver Award, he took the young men on canoeing and camping expeditions. During these trips, his integrity, camaraderie, order, planning, discipline, and values provided a model for their own lives. He was also on the Board of the Hartford Foundation. He saw growth of the Schauer Arts and Activities Center which led the Pike's to gift funds for what is now Pikes Peak "Grand Room". (Ken was the great grand nephew of Zebulon Pike who discovered Pike's Peak in 1806. Both of the Pike's were very active in the Pike Family Association in Colorado.) One constant in his adult life was being a 32nd Degree Mason, and member of Scottish Rite and Shrine and Eastern Star. For over 64 years he belonged to Lodge #120 in Hartford serving in many positions and finding deep friendships. After retiring in 1977, the Pike's enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Hawaii, and to their Air Force's son's homes around the country. This enabled them to continue what they had always enjoyed doing-taking pictures and slides. Friendships grew and endured over bridge games. After Janet passed in 2008, their friends Keith, Darlene, Dawn, Melody, Bob, Chris, Marilyn, John and Cyndi gave back to him much of the love and support he had given to others. His family is humbly grateful for their various talents and kindness. While his accomplishments were many and varied in type and scale, he would rather be remembered as a man who, by his very nature, looked to preserve the welfare of others. Whatever he saw that could be made better, he did just that. Efficiently and quietly. While he will be missed, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will always be felt in Hartford and his presence will forever have a place in our hearts. There will be no funeral which is in keeping with Ken's wishes to instead have a 100th Birthday Party. Kathy's Hospice (32323 Pleasant Valley Rd. West Bend, WI 53095) will receive donations in his honor. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home is serving the family. On-line condolences @ www.Berndt-Ledesma.com

Kenneth R. Pike

January 1, 1900 - January 1, 1901