Kenneth J. Gundrum

Kenneth J. Gundrum was called to his eternal home on Oct. 30, 2025, at the age of 90. 

He was born April 27, 1935, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Gundrum in Hartford, Wis. 

He grew up in Slinger and then moved to Grafton, where he graduated from high school in 1954. Kenny joined the U.S. Army and served for two years.

He married his bride of 65 years, Joanne “Joey” Retzer, in 1956, and they made their home in Grafton, where they raised their three children. 

Kenny began his career as a local meat cutter before joining Prudential Insurance Co. and working as an agent for 40 years until his retirement in 1997. During his time with Prudential, he was known to local children as the “Gum Man,” as he consistently gave out pieces of Chiclets gum when making sales calls.

Retirement brought a whole new adventure for Kenny and Joey as they spent winters in Alabama and then Arizona. They loved their adventures in Europe, though Kenny’s favorite destination was his hunting property in Mineral Point, Wis.

Nothing meant more to Kenny and Joey than their Christian faith and their family. Time spent with the kids and grandkids was precious  — bike trips, camping, sitting around the campfire, hunting, telling jokes, having homemade dinners, cookouts and celebrating holidays. 

Kenny believed in the value of hard work, integrity and compassion. His generosity and genuine interest in all people meant he touched the lives of many with his crazy sense of humor, warmth, values and empathetic heart. Even at 90 years of age, he was still a kid at heart.

Kenny’s frequent declaration was, “Every morning when you wake up, you decide if it’s going to be a good day or a bad day, and I choose that it’s going to be a good day.” His children learned so much about life through his ongoing positive attitude. He will forever be in our hearts and his legacy of love and laughter will live on through his loved ones.

Kenny is survived by his children Dan (Bonnie) Gundrum, Todd Gundrum and Lori (Ted) Haischer and will be forever cherished by his grandchildren Ryan (Tara) Gundrum, Jason (Meredith) Gundrum, Mark (Danielle) Gundrum, Kenny (Kayla) Gundrum, William Gundrum, Lori (Charles) Kelley, Ben (Lindsey) Haischer, Rebecca (Mitch) Hansen and Anna (Jordan) Lynch. He is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren whom he adored, sister Grace Jungers, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bill and Judy Retzer and many special nieces, nephews and friends.

Kenny was preceded in death by his dear wife Joey, sisters Lori (Shorty) Held, Valerie (Bob) Komp, Florence (Joe) Schaefer and Eileen (Ed) Bergin, brothers Arnie (Pat) Gundrum and Paul (Henrietta) Gundrum and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Delores and Claude Wollner.

The family would like to thank the caregivers and administration at Village Pointe Commons for the wonderful love, compassion and care Kenny received while in independent living during his final years.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St. in Grafton, on Friday, Nov. 14, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., with a Mass beginning at 3 p.m. 

Kenny will be laid to rest the following day with military honors at Union Cemetery in Port Washington.

Memorials in Kenny’s name are suggested to St. Joseph Parish or St. Joseph School.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.