Kenneth M Vodak

MADISON - Kenneth Michael “Ken” Vodak, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Monday, Aug. 30, 2021. He was born on May 18, 1944, in Madison, the son of Kenneth and Virginia (Neely) Vodak. Kenneth grew up in Madison with his brother, Greg. He served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Kennebec, with four tours in Vietnam. In 2018, he proudly traveled to Washington D.C. with the Badger Honor Flight. Kenneth was united in marriage to Mary Moen in 1968 and together they raised two daughters, Cynthia and Teresa. To celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, Ken, who was afraid of heights, took his bride on a hot air balloon ride. Ken worked for the City of Madison for 30 years, retiring as a supervisor in 1999. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church for 15 years. Ken enjoyed the outdoors-hunting and fishing. His most memorable fishing trip was in Canada. Kenneth owned a 1930 Model A Ford and loved the adventures of travelling the back roads of Wisconsin and Minnesota with his close friends in the Model A Restorer's Club. Ken was a fantastic cook and loved to grill. He loved his dog, Patches, who he would take for special treats through drive in restaurants. Ken is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Cynthia Palmer and Teresa Vodak; five grandchildren, Leaf Anthony, Shaun White-Palmer, Elijah Anthony, Malea White and Micah Palmer; great-grandson, Brady Brumm; and brother, Greg (Penny) Vodak. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son-in-law, Emmitt Palmer. A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Memorials may be gifted in Ken’s name to Camp Wawbeek (https://camp.eastersealswisconsin.com/camp-wawbeek/). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420