Kenneth Baitinger
February 22, 1925 - October 08, 2015
Obituary
MIDDLETON – Kenneth George Baitinger, 90, passed away on October 8, 2015. Born on February 22, 1925 in Winneconne, WI, the son of Glen W. and Irene (Splitt) Baitinger. He spent his high school summers working with his dad on the Milwaukee Road Railway. After graduating from Winneconne High School in 1942, he studied at a Vocational School in Oshkosh. He joined the United States Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theater aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. San Francisco. In 1946, after his service, he attended the University of WI – Madison, graduating from the School of Business in 1950. He married Lulu-Marie (Lu) Elkinton at St. Pauls Catholic Chapel in Madison, WI on July 28, 1951. He was active in the Parish life of St. Bernard's Catholic Church, Middleton and the City of Middleton. Elected to the City Council of Middleton in 1965, serving as City Council President from 1970-72, he was instrumental in the development of EMS, Lakeview Park and the construction of a new city hall. Ken was deeply respected by the community. Kenneth's career in the insurance industry was spent at Rural Insurance, Farm Bureau and General Casualty Insurance, he retired from American Family Insurance Company. Ken's passions were sports, especially baseball, golf and trout fishing. His love of the outdoors translated to his creative skill of bird carving and painting. He made connections with people with his gift of humor and friendship. But most importantly he was a dedicated, loving husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Lulu-Marie Baitinger, his children, Amy Baitinger, Jayne Baitinger-Peterson (Tony Peterson), K. Mark Baitinger (Pat Ackerman), seven grandchildren of whom he was most proud; Caroline, Catherine Anderson, Jack Peterson, Kiel Baitinger-Peterson, Elise Peterson, Robert and Richard Baitinger, his brother Donald Baitinger and sister Maxine (Baitinger) Dearstine. He was preceded in death by his youngest child Thomas J. Baitinger (Paige) in 2011. A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BERNARDS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, with Father Brian Wilk presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Oct 17, 2015 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (University) • 7450 University Avenue, Middleton, WI null
Photos
No photos of Kenneth have been shared yet.
Memories
EJ
Eber Janzen
Other •
Lu, you have my sympathy. I remember going to your house with Joan O'Mally. I think of you guys every time I drive thru Middleton on University Ave. Eber Janzen, Reedsburg WI
RB
Roger Boeker
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Ken Baitinger, We are thankful for his military service and honored to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. in October 2011 .
JJ
Jean Jolin
Other •
I like the picture of Ken because it shows his great smile and I can almost see the twinkle in his eyes. This peaceful, happy image is a gift that he leaves behind; it is a priceless legacy for his family and friends.
My sympathy goes out to Lu, who has lost her long-time partner and best friend, and to Amy, Jayne, Mark and the seven grandchildren. Ken was a true family man; you were all his pride and joy. His family enriched his life and gave meaning to his years. I think he will rest in peace.
Jean Jolin
Westlake Village, CA
SH
Sue Held
Other •
Sending thoughts and prayers to your family at this time. Many wonderful memories of Maywood Avenue and growing up across the street from your family. Wishing you strength at this difficult time and hoping you find joy in your memories. Love to your whole family, Sue (Franken) and Tim Held, Gilbert AZ
BB
Brian Brown
Other •
Condolences to Ken's family. Ken was instrumental to my beginning a 40 year career in data processing @ General Casualty. I also enjoyed talking with him as we both moved on to American Family.
He was very supportive and I appreciated that. I'll never forget him and his down to earth methods and attitude.
Brian Brown
SS
Somer Stone
Other •
Sending thoughts, prayers, and condolences to the family and friends during this difficult time. He must be so proud of his children and grandchildren and we have the privilege of being blessed with Elise as a teammate, sister, and friend. We love you Elise and we will be dancing in your Grandfather's honor this weekend.
Love,
Your GA Somer & the Allen American Ice Angels