Edward Lewis Kennison, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and public servant, lost his heroic battle against bladder cancer on the afternoon of September 28th. As was his wish, he passed away quietly at home, surrounded by loved ones.
Ed Kennison lived seventy brief years, but the life he lived was a full and generous one. Born April 29, 1941, he was raised on a farm just outside of town and graduated from Monroe High School in 1959. In high school he met and fell in love with Karen Leuenberger and they were married on June 4, 1961 at the New Apostolic Church in Monroe.
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard in 1958, Ed was called to active duty in late 1961 for ten months, and completed his tour of duty in 1964. Upon his return from the military, Ed and Karen settled into married life and raised a family.
He spent forty-seven years as a mechanic/shop foreman for Trucks Inc. and later drove bus for First Student after he retired.
Over the years Ed became an enthusiastic public servant, with membership in the Green County Conservation League, Monroe Civil Defense, Monroe Moose Lodge, Whitetails Unlimited Committee, and Monroe American Legion. He was a champion blood donor, having personally supplied nineteen gallons to the American Red Cross.
As a founding member of the Green County EMS, he was active from 1974-1999, having logged more than 55,000 on-call hours and participated in 2596 emergency runs. His dedication to the cause continued when he became an EMT lab assistant and instructor at Blackhawk Tech, working from 1987-2010.
In 1985, with two sons as Eagle Scouts, Ed became a Scout Master for Monroe Troop 115 and was committed to the continued mentorship of youth, until just this year. During his scouting career, Ed earned the Scouter Training Award, the Scouter Key, the District Award of Merit, Wood Badge, Staff member for Wood Badge, Vigil member for Order of the Arrow, the Silver Beaver Award, and one of two Honorary Eagle Scout Recognition Awards within Troop 115.
As Scout Master within the Blackhawk Area Council, Ed was Eagle Board Chairman. He attended the Philmont Scout Ranch Training Center in New Mexico, and in addition to the many high adventure trips he participated in, Ed headed up three trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch. He attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1989. As a leader through the years, having spent many weeks at summer camp, Ed had a deep love of Canyon Camp in Stockton, Illinois.
With all that he personally accomplished in scouts, he was most proud that he'd helped fifty young men advance to the rank of Eagle Scout, one of which was a grandson.
Ed was the kind of man who gave personally in so many ways. He looked forward to Christmas Eve, when he would gleefully transform into Santa Clause and with the help of his elf, Karen, would bring presents to the children that had to spend the holiday in the hospital.
A natural dancer, Ed was often seen tapping his feet to a lively tune and when the opportunity came, he would to take his wife to the dance floor. So it was not surprising that he was a very active member of the Stateline Square Dancers.
Affectionately known as "Papa Eddie" to Karen's day care kids and "Fast Eddie" by his trucker buddies, it was rare that Ed traveled anywhere without running in to someone who knew him. He could be thousands of miles from home and bump into a friend. As a member of the Gold Wing Riders Club, he and Karen took in all but five of the continental United States on their cherry red cycle, Scarlett. Ed took great pleasure in the many Caribbean Cruises that he and Ma (Karen) shared and would race to book the next trip as soon as it was offered.
Ed always found his greatest joy in his grandchildren. He would attend personal performances and sporting events whenever possible, and would often request to drive bus routes that went to such events in order to enjoy the grandchild and their team.
Ed and Karen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of this year and were thrilled to have so many people help them commemorate the day. He was truly at his happiest when surrounded by family and friends.
Ed was mentor, mediator, hero and straight-faced prankster all rolled into one. He had a love of the history channel, old westerns and much to the amusement of his grandchildren, Hee-Haw reruns.
A kind, generous, self-sacrificing man, if there was a need, it never mattered who was asking, Ed Kennison was there, offering his hand.
Husband, father, grandpa, or friend, he touched the lives of so many.
And while he will be missed, he will never be forgotten.
Edward Lewis Kennison was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy (Reynolds) Kennison, and his sister Barbara Helmick. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Leuenberger), sons, Robert (Christy), Michael (Darlene) both of Monroe, daughter, Rhonda (Dan) Lewis of Brodhead, brother, Harold Russell Kennison, Jr. at King Veterans Home- Waupaca. Grandchildren are Alex, Abby, Morgan, and Craig Kennison, Dana, Danny Jr., and Dane Lewis, and two step-grandchildren, Sam and Nikki Fay, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Fund is being established in Ed's name. A benefit will be held on October 9, which will fund a scholarship, also in his name.
Services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 2nd at Shriner Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home with District Elder Robert Guderian presiding.
Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, October 1st from 3-8 pm.
Ed Kennison lived seventy brief years, but the life he lived was a full and generous one. Born April 29, 1941, he was raised on a farm just outside of town and graduated from Monroe High School in 1959. In high school he met and fell in love with Karen Leuenberger and they were married on June 4, 1961 at the New Apostolic Church in Monroe.
A member of the Wisconsin National Guard in 1958, Ed was called to active duty in late 1961 for ten months, and completed his tour of duty in 1964. Upon his return from the military, Ed and Karen settled into married life and raised a family.
He spent forty-seven years as a mechanic/shop foreman for Trucks Inc. and later drove bus for First Student after he retired.
Over the years Ed became an enthusiastic public servant, with membership in the Green County Conservation League, Monroe Civil Defense, Monroe Moose Lodge, Whitetails Unlimited Committee, and Monroe American Legion. He was a champion blood donor, having personally supplied nineteen gallons to the American Red Cross.
As a founding member of the Green County EMS, he was active from 1974-1999, having logged more than 55,000 on-call hours and participated in 2596 emergency runs. His dedication to the cause continued when he became an EMT lab assistant and instructor at Blackhawk Tech, working from 1987-2010.
In 1985, with two sons as Eagle Scouts, Ed became a Scout Master for Monroe Troop 115 and was committed to the continued mentorship of youth, until just this year. During his scouting career, Ed earned the Scouter Training Award, the Scouter Key, the District Award of Merit, Wood Badge, Staff member for Wood Badge, Vigil member for Order of the Arrow, the Silver Beaver Award, and one of two Honorary Eagle Scout Recognition Awards within Troop 115.
As Scout Master within the Blackhawk Area Council, Ed was Eagle Board Chairman. He attended the Philmont Scout Ranch Training Center in New Mexico, and in addition to the many high adventure trips he participated in, Ed headed up three trips to the Philmont Scout Ranch. He attended the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1989. As a leader through the years, having spent many weeks at summer camp, Ed had a deep love of Canyon Camp in Stockton, Illinois.
With all that he personally accomplished in scouts, he was most proud that he'd helped fifty young men advance to the rank of Eagle Scout, one of which was a grandson.
Ed was the kind of man who gave personally in so many ways. He looked forward to Christmas Eve, when he would gleefully transform into Santa Clause and with the help of his elf, Karen, would bring presents to the children that had to spend the holiday in the hospital.
A natural dancer, Ed was often seen tapping his feet to a lively tune and when the opportunity came, he would to take his wife to the dance floor. So it was not surprising that he was a very active member of the Stateline Square Dancers.
Affectionately known as "Papa Eddie" to Karen's day care kids and "Fast Eddie" by his trucker buddies, it was rare that Ed traveled anywhere without running in to someone who knew him. He could be thousands of miles from home and bump into a friend. As a member of the Gold Wing Riders Club, he and Karen took in all but five of the continental United States on their cherry red cycle, Scarlett. Ed took great pleasure in the many Caribbean Cruises that he and Ma (Karen) shared and would race to book the next trip as soon as it was offered.
Ed always found his greatest joy in his grandchildren. He would attend personal performances and sporting events whenever possible, and would often request to drive bus routes that went to such events in order to enjoy the grandchild and their team.
Ed and Karen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June of this year and were thrilled to have so many people help them commemorate the day. He was truly at his happiest when surrounded by family and friends.
Ed was mentor, mediator, hero and straight-faced prankster all rolled into one. He had a love of the history channel, old westerns and much to the amusement of his grandchildren, Hee-Haw reruns.
A kind, generous, self-sacrificing man, if there was a need, it never mattered who was asking, Ed Kennison was there, offering his hand.
Husband, father, grandpa, or friend, he touched the lives of so many.
And while he will be missed, he will never be forgotten.
Edward Lewis Kennison was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy (Reynolds) Kennison, and his sister Barbara Helmick. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Leuenberger), sons, Robert (Christy), Michael (Darlene) both of Monroe, daughter, Rhonda (Dan) Lewis of Brodhead, brother, Harold Russell Kennison, Jr. at King Veterans Home- Waupaca. Grandchildren are Alex, Abby, Morgan, and Craig Kennison, Dana, Danny Jr., and Dane Lewis, and two step-grandchildren, Sam and Nikki Fay, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Fund is being established in Ed's name. A benefit will be held on October 9, which will fund a scholarship, also in his name.
Services will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 2nd at Shriner Hager-Gohlke Funeral Home with District Elder Robert Guderian presiding.
Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, October 1st from 3-8 pm.