Kenneth R. Pickering of Boscobel, WI passed away on July 28, 2021 surrounded by his wife and daughters after a brief, but valiant, battle with cancer. He will always be remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and devotion to family. Kenneth was born April 27, 1938 in a farmhouse just outside of Galesville, WI to Olga and Lyle Pickering. He was the second of 10 children born to the couple. The family eventually moved to Bangor, WI.
From the time he was young, Kenneth had a passion for anything on wheels. This would continue throughout his life. He was very mechanically inclined and loved going to car shows and car museums. He had a particular interest in motorcycles. As a teen his pride and joy was his 1937 Harley Davidson Flathead. Over the years, he continued to ride all types of motorcycles until he was physically unable. 

       In 1957, Kenneth signed up for the Navy Reserve, but later decided, instead, to join the United States Air Force. Following his graduation from Bangor High School, Kenneth headed to the train depot in La Crosse, WI to ship out for basic training in Texas. While at the depot, he met a teenage girl, Patricia Phillips, who was there saying goodbye to her brother who was also shipping out. The two exchanged addresses and began a courtship that culminated in marriage December 16, 1958. Their first child, Deborah, was born the following year. The couple resided on the Airforce base in Trenton, New Jersey where Kenneth worked as an airplane mechanic and earned a Good Conduct Medal for his efficiency, honor, and fidelity. These years provided Kenneth with a lifetime of wonderful memories and stories of his buddies from around the country. 

       Upon discharge from the Air Force the couple moved to Sparta, WI where a second child, Cheryl, was born. It was here that Kenneth began a new career as a meat cutter. This field led him to Boscobel, WI in 1963 to take a position working for Ed Gudie’s grocery store, and eventually Dick’s Supermarket. He loved meeting new people and talking to customers and coworkers. Kenneth was truly someone who never met a stranger. He had a very strong work ethic and took his responsibilities seriously, but always had a smile on his face and loved to joke and tell stories. 

       Two more daughters, Melinda and Tamara were born in Boscobel. As a father, Kenneth was an example of unconditional love. He was fiercely protective of his daughters and would literally travel the globe to stay connected. Travel was one of Kenneth and Patricia’s hobbies. Together, they explored much of the country, visiting family and frequenting antique stores and flea markets. 

       Of all of the hats that he wore, his favorite was ,perhaps, that of Grandpa. He adored every one of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was fun and silly and supported them in all of their activities. He will be missed beyond measure. 

       Kenneth is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; his daughters Deborah (Tom) Truog, Cheryl (Dan) Groh; Melinda (Michael) Ehde, and Tamara (Greg) McRoberts; 16 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; his brothers Calvin (Marcia) Pickering and David Pickering; his sisters: Evelyn (Dean) Roberts, Joyce (Dick) Osuski, and Doris Wehrs along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eugene Pickering; infant sibling triplets Roger, Rosella, and Rosemary; and nephew, Gary Osuski.
Per his wishes, Kenneth will be laid to rest in a private graveside service on Wednesday, August 4th. In lieu of flowers, please commit a random act of kindness to honor our kind and generous loved one.