Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Verhagen, 86, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ken was born on October 29, 1939, in De Pere, WI, where he spent much of his life and built lasting connections with family and friends.

Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1969. Following his military service, he enjoyed a successful railroad career spanning more than 20 years with Wisconsin Central Railroad and Canadian National Railway before retiring in October 1999. Ken married his wife, Sandy (Brukardt) Verhagen, on August 28, 1995, in De Pere, WI. Ken and Sandy would have celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary on August 28.

An avid outdoorsman, Ken found great joy in hunting and fishing. He loved sharing stories of his adventures, bringing laughter and entertainment to family gatherings and visits with friends. Ken also expressed his creativity through oil painting; capturing the beauty of birds, old barns, and fishing jigs. His passion for gardening was equally evident, and he took great pride in cultivating a large garden and generously sharing its harvest with family, friends, neighbors, and anyone that stopped by. He used his garden vegetables to make his favorite chili and chicken booyah recipes that he shared with so many.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Sandy Verhagen; his sons, Kenny, Craig (Michelle), and Kevin; and seven grandchildren, Nick, CJ, Molly, Lauren, Owen, Chase, and Griffin. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Tom (Michelle) Willems, Lynn (Jim) Marshall, Cindy (Craig) Hoerning, and Brad (Beth) Willems; twelve step-grandchildren, Derek (Alyssa), Logan (Clarissa), Caden, Morgan (Bryce), Connor, Brooke, Cody, Caitlin (Hudson), Callie, Alice, Sam, and James; five great-grandchildren, Edye, Jade, Grant, Wren, and Adelyn; sisters-in-law, Mona Brukardt, Marlene (Terry) Gerrits, Karen Brukardt, and Virginia Verhagen; special family members Harold Aldrich, John Dederich, Terry Dederich, and Amy Delvaux. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Merlin, and Wilbert Verhagen; three sisters, Eunice Dederich, Darlene VanderLeest, and Carol Gerke; and brother-in-law Gary Brukardt.

He cherished time spent with family and friends, and his stories, wisdom, and sense of humor will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Family and friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth St, De Pere, for visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026. Service will be at 11:00 a.m., followed by military honors at 11:30 a.m., with a burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Lawrence Cemetery in De Pere.

Ken’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Unity Hospice, particularly Jordan, Caitlin, Dawn, and Cliff, and to the Edenbrook staff in Green Bay, along with the family members and friends who have supported Ken.