Kenneth Zaruba

VISITATION:

9-11 a.m., Wednesday, September 23 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Jim Falls

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Wednesday, September 23 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Jim Falls

Kenneth LeRoy Zaruba, 68, of Jim Falls, formerly of River Falls, WI, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 18,2015 surrounded by his loving family and while under the care of St. Joseph's Hospice.

Ken was born on November 18, 1946 in Chippewa Falls to Steven and Josephine (Koehler) Zaruba.

On September 20, 1969 he married Judith Kay Geissler at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cadott.

Ken and Judy resided in River Falls for 37 years, where they raised three beautiful daughters. Upon graduation from UW-Eau Claire, Ken started his career as an elementary physical education teacher. He went on to serve his community as a River Falls police officer before eventually purchasing a mortgage and real estate company. After selling the company, he worked in New Richmond for many years as a residential lending officer until his retirement. Ken and Judy built a home in 2008 on the Chippewa River in Jim Falls, where they have enjoyed their retirement together and loved being near family.

Ken's family was his number one love and he took great pride in all of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; especially his exploits while elk hunting in Colorado and fishing in Canada. He was always smiling and had a great sense of humor, even through to the end. His huge heart was full of kindness, honor, integrity and a great love of God and faith.

Survivors include his wife and first love, Judy; three daughters, Kari (Jeff) Jacobs of Ixonia, WI, Kim (Darrin) Senn of Chippewa Falls, Krista Zaruba of Lauderdale, MN; grandchildren, Mikaia, Quynn, and Cali Jacobs, Ellie and Aidan Senn; sisters, Arlene Falkenberg and Joyce Stanek, both of Cadott; brother, Allen (Bonnie) Zaruba of Acworth, GA; mother-in-law, Dorothy Geissler of Chippewa Falls; sisters-in-law, Penelope Scheidler of Fall Creek, Deborah (Dale) Styer of Bruce, and Melissa Senn of Altoona; brother-in-law, Chad Geissler of Drummond. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Josephine; grandchild, Kayden Jacobs; sisters, Betty Pelton and Lois Zaruba; brother, LaVerne Zaruba; sister-in-law Ardie Zaruba; brothers-in-law, Dave Scheidler, Russ Falkenberg, and Ed Stanek.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 23 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Jim Falls with Fr. Eric Linzmaier officiating. Interment will be held at Hope Mausoleum, Chippewa Falls.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church.