Kennan M. Purdy age 90, (Sensei) died Monday , December 11th at Pine Crest Nursing Home in Merrill, Wisconsin. He was surrounded by his daughters and some grandchildren and in the care of the very gentle wonderful staff at Pine Crest Nursing Home.
Ken was born in Antigo, Wisconsin. He served in the Navy during the Korean War. He taught Aikido at the Center for Creative Wellness in Merrill. He worked at Wausau Papers in Brokaw. He was Commander of the VFW post in Gleason, president of the Town of Russell First Responders, a member of the Gleason Area Lions Club and worked as a phlebotomist.
Ken Purdy was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby (Rice) and Kennan Myron Purdy Sr. and his sister, Connie Fritsch and Nancy Lewis, and grandson Matthew Rothmeyer.
Ken Purdy is survived by his wife Dora Gorski, His sister Boni Fritsch, his brother Gary Purdy, his daughters, Janet Modrzejewski (Wally Williamson), Kathy Berthold (Michael St.Amour) and Cindy Purdy and step-daughter Rapunzel Martinez ( Michael), his grandchildren, Rachel Rothmeyer (Isaiah Hill), Brandon Rothmeyer (Megan), Dereck Rothmeyer (Kailie Rohde), Jessica Kurth Rindt (Sirena), Jennifer Matsche (Josh), Jeff Kurth (Nicole Dehnel), Mikayla Berthold, Noah Berthold (Brittney Woellner), Mark Knutson (Brianna), Samantha Wolfe (Brandon) and step granddaughters (Lauren West(Ryan), Natasha Reiley ( Chevalier), Amber Leppink (Jeff) and his numerous great grandchildren.
A memorial will be held at the VFW in Merrill, Wisconsin on Sunday, January 7, 2024 between one and five o’clock.