Kenneth E. Graetz

Kenneth E Graetz, 86, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Sunday, June 28, 2026, while under the care of Unity Hospice.
Ken was born on January 4, 1940, to Ferris and Vera (Stapleford) Graetz in Goodman, Wisconsin. He graduated from Goodman High School in 1958 where he played baseball, basketball and football. After high school Ken attended UW-Superior where he met the love of his life, Zona Rae Johnson. Ken and Zona were married on December 29, 1962. After college Ken and Zona lived in Port Wing and eventually made their way to Green Bay, where they have resided for over 50 years. Ken’s love of woodworking, a skill he learned from his own father and passed on to his son and sons-in-law, led him to a career working for Amerhart and Oconto Falls lumber companies. He finished his career working for the Green Bay Public School District as a custodian, retiring in 2002.
One of the ways Ken showed his love for others was his woodworking. He loved making grandfather clocks and furniture for friends and family. Ken liked hunting, fishing, golfing, and just being outdoors. He loved traveling, especially to Florida in the winters and to Colorado to see his granddaughter and great grandsons. He was active in bowling and dartball leagues. He had a strong faith and was very active in his church and was a trustee for many years. He loved spending time with friends and family, whether it was sitting outside on the front lawn talking, playing cards or watching the Packers.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Zona; his children, Jessie (Joe) Peters of Milwaukee, Jay (Amy Groshek) Graetz of Greenleaf; and Becky (Rob) Risch of Medford; his granddaughter Chelsea (Ben) Sobczak of Arvada, Colorado; his great grandsons Oliver and Theodore; and his beloved dog, Sadie.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Ferris and Vera Graetz; his sister and brother-in-law Carol (Dawn) and Stanley Sopkowicz; and his sister Shirley in infancy.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Ken’s name to Unity Hospice or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of life will take place at the Stadium View on Sunday, August 23, 2026 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

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