Kenneth R. Gerrits, 71, went home to eternal life surrounded by the love and prayers of his family on February 3, 2015. Born November 9th, 1943 to Clarence and Mildred (Albers) Gerrits he grew up on the family farm in West De Pere. A hard working & soft-spoken (but very witty) man, he lived life for his family and friends. A skilled carpenter for 47 years, his most precious build was the family house which him and his wife, Mary Jo, made a home. When not building the faith and values of his family, Ken was active in the community and church. Ken was one of the first volunteers on the Emergency Rescue Squad, 4-H leader of 25 years, member of 4-H Leaders Association, Brown County 4-H Executive Board and Brown County Fair Board. Ken served on the West De Pere School Board where he donated his time and salary back to the needs of the school and students. Ken was an original member of St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church and Holy Name Society. He taught by quiet example and never complained of pain or adversity, always focusing on helping others. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo (Selissen), whom he married on May 17, 1969, five children and 13 grandkids: Amy and Randy Soquet (William, Christopher and Katie), Drs. Ronald and Elizabeth (Peter and Annabelle), Laura and Chad Halverson (Owen and Aubrey), Mark and Sue (Vaughn, Elizabeth and Leo) and Jenny and Josh Johnson (Elsa, Langston and Kendall). He is also survived by brothers and sister Gerald, John and Barb, Paul and Sue, Jane and Gary Vander Wegen, sister-in-law Gail Gerrits, mother-in-law Laverne Selissen and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Mildred, brother James Gerrits, father-in-law Lawrence Selissen, sisters-in-law Sister Rita Lawrence and Jean Mooren, brother-in-law David Paque and nephew Steven Paque. Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, from 4pm until 7:30pm on Thursday, February 5, with Rosary at 7pm. Visitation will continue after 9am on Friday at the funeral home. A funeral procession will take place to the church at 10am. A Traditional Latin Requiem Mass will be offered by Father Daniel Themann, SSPX, on Friday at 10:30am at St. Michael's Church, 1782 Chapelle Rue, De Pere. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family would like to thank Father Themann and the staff of Rennes Health for their compassionate care of Ken.