Kenneth J. Blindauer, age 92, of Sheboygan, died on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Shores of Sheboygan. He was born in the Town of Sheboygan on May 27, 1930, the son of the late Edwin and Clara Jetzer Blindauer.
Kenneth attended St. Dominic Catholic Church and School. He then went to vocational school to be a plumber. On October 12, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Anderson at St. Clement Catholic Church in Sheboygan. Mary preceded Ken in death on February 25, 2016.
Ken was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, where he was an usher, and part of the parish council with church grounds and building maintenance. He was also a Catholic War Veteran, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a caretaker of the St. Joseph Cemetery with Jim Koenig for many years. Ken volunteered at the Sheboygan County Historical Museum for student day programs, and he made contributions to the museum with the Christmas displays for the children. He also volunteered at Morningside Health Care Center and was a 15 Gallon Blood Donor for the Red Cross.
Ken loved to spend time at the cottage on Wilke Lake, and had many cherished memories there, especially cooking food for family and friends. He enjoyed puzzles, bird and critter feeding, playing sheepshead and dominos. Ken and Mary also loved the time they spent wintering in the Hill Country in Texas for many years.
Survivors include his four children, Charles Blindauer, of Sheboygan, Gregory (Patricia) Blindauer, of Menomonee Falls, Thomas (Christina) Blindauer, of Chilton, and Anne (Chris) Keaton, of Sheboygan; twelve grandchildren, Kyle (Amanda), Charles II, Andrew (Allison), Jesse, Adam (Annette), Casey, Shawn, Alexander, Madelyn Mary, Xavier, Harmony, and Sapphire; five great-grandchildren, Merrik, Asher, Eli, Chloe, and Kadence; three sisters, Lucille Mueller, Catherine (Jay) Isa, and Doris Gruenke; and a sister-in-law, Jean Blindauer. Many other relatives and friends further survive. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Debra Blindauer, and his brother, Eugene Blindauer.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, May 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 2136 N. 21st Street, Sheboygan with Father Norberto Sandoval officiating. Family and friends may gather at the church on Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to the staff at Shores of Sheboygan and Allay Hospice for the compassion and care that was given to him. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Ken’s name.
I bet if I asked every one of you here today if you ever asked my Dad for help, and your answer was yes! You would probably follow that up with, he helped me right away or he made room for me in his schedule and he never asked for anything in return, that’s who my Dad was – a man who loved to help others and be of service.
When my children were younger and they would ask for something or want to go somewhere – and I would say “we’ll see”, they would roll their eyes and say that’s means “NO”. I would never say “Yes” or “I promise” unless I knew I could make it happen. If my father to yes to any request, you knew he would follow through as his word was his bond – he strongly believed in honesty and integrity, that’s who my Dad was, a man of his word.
I can admit there were a couple times during my single mom years that I needed financial help, my Dad was always there. He would figure out how he was able to help and even though I would repay as quickly as I could I knew that he was just glad that he was in a position to help his children, that’s who my Dad was, a generous and giving man.
When my Dad needed to move from his condo to the Shores of Sheboygan it was tough for everyone. A friend of mine said “Anne don’t worry, it wont be long before your Dad is the Mayor of the Shores” – and she was right. He made friends in an instant, dazzled the ladies at his dinner table with conversation, but also decided to bring his own dominoes set to some of the card playing activities – because as he said it, “no one knows how to plays hearts, but everyone knows how to play dominoes – that’s who my Dad was, a friend to all.
I found my girl scout field trip permission slip amongst some papers recently and my mother had given her OK by signing “Mrs Kenneth Blindauer” on 3 of the 4 requests. She was very proud of being the Mrs to Mr Kenneth Blindauer – she knew that she would be taken care of, respected, loved, and honored. They always knew that they had each other’s back forever, that’s who my Dad was, a dedicated family man.
Me being single and alone for over a decade was tough for my Dad, as his baby girl he wanted to know that I was safe, taken care of, and cherished. As time went on Dad could not help with all of my struggles and that weighed heavy on his heart. That weight was lifted when Chris and my father had a discussion about his intentions and our future together.
Daddy you took care of me my whole life – you always came to my rescue – you are my hero!! As Mrs Christopher Keaton I will forever be taken care of, cherished, and loved – so you can rest easy now Daddy, your job here is done!! Mrs Kenneth Blindauer is waiting…..
What a great guy... I got to get to know Ken well from playing sheephead on Tuesday nights. If he lost in a dramatic way, his favorite line was, "it's not the money; it's that darn dirty laughing!"
My wife, Mary Beth (Kiefer), remembers all the good times at Wilke Lake. He certainly had a life well-lived.
4-30-23
Family of Ken Blindauer,
You are in our thoughts at this time. We have so many wonderful thoughts of both Ken and Mary being involved with Museum events and activities. And always fun to visit with. From the thousands of "make and take toys" for Holiday Memories to the endless stream of full day student education programs, Ken was a big part of all of this. I don't remember a day when Ken wasn't enjoying the moment. All the kids and the "kids at heart" were enjoying his enthusiasm as well. Wishing all of you the very best in this time of celebrating a life well lived.
A donation has been made to the Sheboygan County Historical Society in memory of Ken.
Sincerely,
Bob and Ruth Harker
I have known the Blindauer family throughout my many years working for Dr. Schutte and Dr. Armstrong in their dental offices. I always looked forward to seeing & visiting with the family, which spanned 3 generations of Blindauers, for me. Always fine, friendly people who I enjoyed knowing. Sending you my sincere sympathy & prayers for comfort at this sad time.
I worked with Ken for 11 years while he served on several committees in the Town of Sheboygan. He was a very sensible and down to earth person that will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathies you your family.
So sorry to all family. He laughed a lot and told stories to joe and me. Sending love
I'm SO sorry to learn 9f your father's passing. Let me know if you need anything. Prayers, hugs and peace during this difficult time.
