Kenneth L Potts

POTTS, KENNETH L. “KEN” McFarland-Kenneth L. “Ken” Potts, age 76, reached the end of his journey here on earth at his home in McFarland, with his cat, Ginger, by his side, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Ken married Marguerite “Muggs” Van Epps on April 26, 1958, in Dodgeville. Together they had four children, Scott, Kris, Lisa, and Fredrick “Rick”. Ken was very proud of his three sons who were Boy Scouts. Each earned the highest honor of Eagle Scout. Ken’s brother, LeRoy, was his best friend growing up, especially during the time they were in the orphanage, he was always his shadow, and they remained close until he passed away. Ken had several jobs in the Madison area while he and Muggs began their family. As the family grew, they built their home in McFarland, where Ken and Muggs began their own grocery business known as K&M Grocery. The entire family worked side by side at K&M for 17 years, which also came to include their small bait and tackle shop known as K&M Tackle Box. In 1980, the grocery store closed, at which time Ken continued to work at the bait shop until 1987. After closing the bait shop, he worked at several sales positions. Ken also worked at Woodman’s Food Market, retiring in January 2000. One of his last jobs was working for Meriter Hospital, at the parking ramp. He retired from that position, which he LOVED, due to medical reasons in 2011. Muggs and Lisa started doing craft shows in 1987. In 1989, Ken and Muggs’ friend and neighbor, Louise, joined the crafting activities. They participated at many craft shows throughout the Dane County area until 2001. Ken is survived by his children, Scott, Kris, Lisa Kerr (Michael Deegan) and Rick; grandchildren, Jessica (James) Copeland, Megan (Wes) Hardin, Kathryn “Katie”, Kayla, Skylar, Noah and Hailey Potts; great-grandchildren, Athena, Miya, and Lilith Copeland; sisters-in-law, Kate Potts and Ione Williams; special cousin, Mary Ann “Mutz” Wells; and he held a special place in his heart for Kay Lynn Van Epps and Mark Van Epps. He is also survived by many other nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Marguerite “Muggs”, on September 18, 2013; his parents, Frederick and Katherine Potts; his step-mother, Rose Potts, whom he lovingly referred to as his Mom; and eight siblings and their spouses. He loved his Van Epps family, and was preceded in death by, Leila (Don) Williams, Dahlman “Ted” (Lois) Van Epps, Elwood “Butch”, Marvin and Eugene “Hank” (DeAnn) Van Epps and Charles Williams. He cherished his Beagle, Ruby Bearetta “Bear” Van Potts who passed in 2009. Funeral Services will be held at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 24, 2014, with the Rev. Timothy Dean presiding. Burial will follow at Upper McFarland Cemetery with military honors being conducted. A lunch and fellowship will be held at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2014, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. The family would like to extend their thanks to Charles Weber, M.D., who followed Dad through his journey of 22 years with COPD, the staff at Meriter 11 tower and Denise Ferguson and staff from Meriter Wellness Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420