Kendell "Ken" Adell

Madison – Ken Adell passed away peacefully on January 12th at Agrace Hospice.  Ken was born on November 3, 1953 in Emporia, KS.  Ken and his family moved to Madison in 1964.  He attended Orchard Ridge, Memorial High School, and the UW-LaCrosse. He graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Platteville.

Ken joined the Madison Fire Department in 1980 and went on to become Captain of Arson Investigation where he received numerous awards, including Arson Investigator of the Year from the WI Association of Arson Investigators.  He was instrumental in starting DCARI, Dane County Arson Response Initiative.  Ken was an avid golfer and started the Guns and Hoses Charity Golf Tournament bringing together cops and firefighters. He teamed up with K-9 Ginger and they became the first arson canine team in the state.  Ken retired in 2006.

Ken loved to be with his family, loved to golf and mow fairways at Odana Golf Course after he retired, but most of all, he loved playing with his grandson and best friend, Payne.

Ken is survived by his wife of 44 years, Laura; sons, Luke (Tara), and Nick; grandson, Payne; Payne’s mother, Shanda; father, Wendell (Gloria); sisters, Janet Amann, and Karen Adell; and grand-dog Sophie. Ken was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn.

A celebration of life will be planned for next summer. Memorial donations can be made to Madison Fire Department 311 Charities.