Kenneth Vandeyacht Obituary (1954-2022): Cause of Death

Kenneth Vandeyacht obituary, Combined Locks, Wisconsin – Kenneth G. Vandeyacht, a well-loved resident of Combined Locks, Wisconsin, passed away on October 4, 2022, at the age of 67. Here is a summary of his remarkable life and legacy:

Kenneth Vandeyacht  Early Life and Marriage

Kenneth Vandeyacht obituary
  • Kenneth was born on December 7, 1954, to Patricia and Mark Vandeyacht in Combined Locks. He grew up alongside seven siblings and humorously claimed to be his mother’s favorite.
  • On October 1, 1981, he married his soulmate, Barbara Wyngard, and together they shared 25 years of love and cherished memories until her passing in 2007.

Kenneth Vandeyacht  Diverse Interests and Hobbies

  • Ken was a talented musician who composed music inspired by his dreams and had a deep love for Folk and Americana music. He was particularly fond of the banjo and guitar.
  • He recently completed the restoration of a late 1800s banjo and was skilled at crafting Native American flutes.
  • In the 1970s, Ken was the drummer in the rock band “Peppermint Ridge,” which took him on numerous adventures around the Midwest.
  • Ken’s love for collecting included vintage glass, antiques, and fossil hunting with his close friend Craig Hribal in the American West.
  • He had a spiritual connection to the teachings and ceremonies of The Hannahville Band of Potawatomi in Michigan, where he was known as “Ktthe Mko Gabo,” meaning “Big Bear Standing.”

Kenneth Vandeyacht Obituary

Kenneth Vandeyacht obituary (Source)
  • A memorial fund is being established in Ken’s name in lieu of flowers.
  • A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 4:30 P.M. at Neenah’s Westgor Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 2:00 P.M.
  • Ken’s love for sharing food with others will be honored at The Grand Meridian following the service.
  • He will be interred next to his wife at Riverside Cemetery in Appleton in a private ceremony.

Kenneth Vandeyacht  Passion for Travel

  • Ken’s adventurous spirit led him to travel the world with family and friends, visiting Europe, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, Trinidad, the Caribbean, and the American West.
  • He cherished moments in the northwoods with family and enjoyed thrilling experiences like zip-lining on Washington Island with his granddaughter.

Kenneth Vandeyacht  Culinary Career and Generosity

  • Ken’s culinary career was marked by transforming a dilapidated Marcus Theatre building into “The Grand Meridian” in Appleton in 2005, alongside his wife, Barb.
  • He was known for hosting memorable dinner parties, making delicious breads and meats, and sharing his love for wines and world cuisines.
  • Ken generously gave back to the community by donating meals to organizations feeding the hungry, supporting service projects, and mentoring aspiring restaurateurs.

Kenneth Vandeyacht  Unforgettable Legacy

  • Ken’s warm-heartedness and sense of humor made everyone feel loved, and he cherished his role as “Papa” to his granddaughter, Aarti.
  • His adventurous spirit was reflected in numerous near-death experiences throughout his life.
  • Ken is survived by his loving children, Michelle and Christopher, his special granddaughter Aarti Sharma, and many family members, friends, and beloved pets.

Acknowledgments

  • The family extends heartfelt thanks to Sue Lamers, Joe Warden, Joe Montour, and all the staff at the Grand Meridian for their continued dedication.
  • Ken’s extended lease on life was made possible by Dave Bushey, his kidney donor in 2017, granting him five more years.

A Remarkable Legacy

  • Ken Vandeyacht will forever be remembered as a man who radiated kindness, integrity, service to others, lightheartedness, true friendship, vibrancy, and unwavering grit. His impact on his children’s lives, with his son becoming a chef and food scientist and his daughter an entrepreneur, is a testament to his enduring influence.

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