Kenneth Alvin Porrey, age 92, of Waupaca, WI, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Ken was born on August 28, 1932, in Chicago, IL, to Josiah and Alice (Lindskoog) Porrey. He moved with his family to Waupaca in 1946, a community he would come to love deeply and serve with unwavering dedication throughout his life.
On September 2, 1953, Ken married the love of his life, Jeanette Helen Martin, in Manawa, WI. Together they shared 68 wonderful years of marriage, raising a family and building a legacy rooted in love, music, service, and community.
A proud tradesman, Ken began his career as a Journeyman Electrician, working for eighteen years with Local 134 in Chicago and later with Local 577 in Appleton. In 1969, he joined the Wisconsin Engineering Division of State Facilities Management in Madison, where he worked as an on-site construction coordinator overseeing state building projects until his retirement in 1996.
Ken also served his country with pride in the Wisconsin National Guard during the 1950s.
An active member of his community, Ken gave generously of his time and talents. He sang for many years in the St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church choir and helped form a Barbershop Chapter in Waupaca in the 1960s. Alongside his wife Jan, he owned and operated Jane’s Music Shoppe during the 1980s, fostering a love for music in the community. He was a longtime member of the Stevens Point Barbershop Chapter and served on the board of the Waupaca Community Chorus, participating in every performance for over fifty years.
Ken was a passionate local historian, serving as Treasurer of the Rural Historical Society for thirty years, a member of the Town of Dayton Planning Commission for nine years, and a dedicated election worker for the Town of Dayton. He was proud to be part of the Waupaca Sesquicentennial Committee in 2007.
Ken found great joy in volunteering at ThedaCare Medical Center in Waupaca, greeting patients with kindness and compassion. He loved spending time in his workshop on woodworking and restoration projects, bringing new life to cars, boats, and tractors. A lifelong fan of Big Band music, he fondly remembered Saturday night dances at the Indian Crossing Casino in the 1940s and ’50s. Most of all, Ken cherished time with his family—especially their Friday night fish fry’s.
He is survived by his sons, Michael Porrey, John Porrey, and Peter Porrey; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and his brother, Douglas Porrey.
Ken was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanette Helen (Martin) Porrey; his parents, Josiah and Alice Porrey; and his sisters, Lois Tomaras, Gloria Porrey, Barbara Porrey, and two great granddaughters.
Ken’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched through his generosity, music, and service. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Funeral Mass for Kenneth will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca, WI.
Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Fr. Xavier Santiago will be presiding.
Ken will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Cemetery in Waupaca. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.
