Kenneth Lawrence Abnet

Kenneth “Papa” Lawrence Abnet, who passed away on July 29, 2019 at Gundersen Health System was born on January 16, 1934 in Hokah, MN to George and Alice (Lorenz) Abnet. He was raised on the family farm in Pine Creek Valley outside of La Crescent, MN attending country school through the eighth grade. He then helped on the family farm. Kenny went to work for Northern Plastics/Norplex in 1954 working in the layup and maintenance department.

In 1957, he married his only love, Theo J. Curtis at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. One month later he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served on active duty for two years. Upon his return he went back to work at Norplex and then moving on in 1971 to Northern Engraving in Holmen as a maintenance supervisor. He retired after 30 years. He decided he wasn’t done working and went to work at Great Lakes Cheese, which he retired (again) from after 12 years.

Kenny loved being around people. He always liked to get together and reminisce about all the fun times, especially deer hunting, pheasant hunting and fishing. He had lots of great times on the river and a good game of euchre. His family meant the world to him. He was always there to help no matter what. He really loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Kenny was the happiest when all his family would get together for the holidays.

Kenny “Papa” is survived by his wife of 62 years, Theo; daughter, Rebecca (Thomas) Grapes of La Crosse; son, Paul (Amy) Abnet of Dakota, MN; grandchildren, Brynn Panek of La Crosse, Amy (Roman) Wells of Holmen, Elise and Jessalyn Abnet of Winona, MN; great-grandchildren, William and Presleigh Panek, his best friend Jaxsyn, Torynn and newest addition Briela Wells. He is also survived by sisters, Arlene Ready of La Crescent, MN and Marion Kappauf of Houston, MN; brother, Jerry Abnet of La Crescent along with many nieces and nephews.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, George and Alice; brother, George Abnet; sisters-in-law, Caroline and Marcella Abnet; and brothers-in-law, Joe Ready and Howard Kappauf.

A special thank you to the staff at Gundersen Health System for all the great/loving care given to Kenny.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, August 2 ^nd at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse. Monsignor Steven Kachel will officiate. Entombment will follow in the Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-7 P.M. and again on Friday from 11:00 A.M. until the time of services.