Obituary of Kenneth Piorier

Ken Piorier, 54, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. Ken was born in Milwaukee, on Nov. 25, 1956, to Kenneth and Julie (Gosh) Piorier. He fought many health battles during his life. He was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes as a child, resulting in kidney failure. At the age of 37, he received a kidney/pancreas transplant at the University Hospital in Madison. His latest battle was lost to Alzheimer's Disease. Ken leaves behind a legacy of strength through pain, a love for family and a joyful, happy heart who just wanted to have fun. He leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Jenny; two daughters, Erin (Kyle Makarios) Piorier and Jessica (Ben Ross) Piorier; four grandchildren, Emma, Henry, Oscar, and August; his mother, Julie (Piorier) Konkol; his brother, Dan (Kari) Piorier; two sisters, Pattie Schoenfeld and Mary (Bill) Kell; as well as his special friend and caregiver, C'na Eisbrener. He will be greatly missed by his aunt Delores and his many special nieces and nephews. Ken worked at Kelly's Liquor Store for many years, until his retirement four years ago. He loved hunting, fishing, and sitting on the end of the dock on Connors Lake with a cold beer. He was an avid woodworker for many years and maintained a gorgeous garden with his wife Jenny. Ken could be found most evenings in the summer sitting on his deck, listening to the Brewers game and scratching the ears of his dog Izzy. He was preceded in death by his father, Ken; step-father, Bob Konkol; mother and father-in-laws, Shirley and Joseph Flanagan; and sister-in-law, Mary Reinwand. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25th at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m.at the funeral home. Following Ken's wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at Good Time Charlie's (111 E. Jackson Street) following the service. Memorials may be designated, in Ken's name, to the Alzheimer's Association or the National Kidney Foundation .