Kenneth James Mecum

MADISON-Kenneth James Mecum, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born on Jan. 14, 1947, in Richland Center, the son of George and Joyce (Reed) Mecum. Ken married Karen M. Everson on Sept. 24, 1983. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, working as a mechanic. Ken retired 11 years ago after working for the Madison Water Utility. After retirement, he enjoyed the simple things in life that created so many memories with family, friends, and those he just met. Ken enjoyed camping, fishing, throwing the football with his grandchildren, and hanging at the casino with “you know who you are”. He could never sit still; he always had a project going or was helping with someone else’s project. Ken was artistic and enjoyed creating drawings. He also loved spending time with his horses and his dogs. Ken was known to always put work before pleasure and to always put others before himself. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Karen; children, Michelle (John) George of Madison, Melinda (Jeff McMahon) Rake of Arlington, Melissa (Mike) Pederson of DeForest, Krista Fenolio of Madison, Jeffrey (Erika) Mecum of Portsmouth, Va.; 11 grandchildren, Dustin, Brianna, AJ, Ashley, Cameron, Evan, Landen, Maria, Gabriella, Anayiah, and Nathan James; and a great-granddaughter, Sophia Rose; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings. Funeral services will be held at OUR SAVIOUR’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, with the Rev. Bradley Homan presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. A special thank you to the Madison EMS and the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for the loving care they showed Ken. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. We'll always Remember That special smile That caring heart That warm embrace You always gave us. You being there. For mom and us. Through good and bad times No matter what. We'll always remember You dad because There'll never be anyone to replace you in our hearts. And the love we will always have for you. Cemetery: Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens with military rites being conducted. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at OUR SAVIOUR’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1201 Droster Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013, with the Rev. Bradley Homan presiding.