Kenneth Newman

Kenneth C. Newman died peacefully on January 25, 2020 after a courageous six-month battle with cancer.

Treasured Husband of 52 years to Mary Ann, beloved Father to Casey (Patty), Chris (Julie), Courtney (Chad), awesome Grandpa to Angie and Charlie. Wonderful son of Mike and Clarice Newman.  Survived by 12 brothers and sisters and their families.

Ken was a people person, whether he was teaching, spending time with family, working out at the Menomonee Falls YMCA (and then Gold’s Gym in Madison) or working security for CSC at Badger athletic events.

He was the consummate husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend.  He touched lives as a teacher, coach and mentor to countless students and numerous colleagues at Sussex Hamilton High School.

He had a remarkable sense of optimism and a positive approach to living – “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how we react to it” was one of his favorite mottos.

He was a compassionate man and always seemed able to find the good in everyone.  He sought out new friends and experiences and treated each day as an opportunity to grow, learn or make a difference.  He had the ability to engage with anyone from any walk of life, and they would walk away from that conversation feeling heard and appreciated.

Family was his focus.  He put them first and he would do absolutely anything for them.

He had more living to do and more to contribute, though we are comforted that he had accomplished so much and added such goodness to the world that will live on through those with whom he interacted.  While we grieve horribly for our loss, we are so fortunate to have had him in our lives.

Gifts in lieu of flowers can be made to Agrace Hospice Care of Madison or the UW Carbone Cancer Center.  The family would like to thank the teams at UW Hospital, Agrace, and Age at Home, as well as all the friends and family that provided their love and support.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2020, beginning at 1 p.m., at the Memorial Union (Tripp Commons, 2nd floor), 800 Langdon St, Madison, https://union.wisc.edu/visit/memorial-union/. In honor of Ken, bright colored (tie dye/tropical), festive attire is encouraged.

See the Union website for further directions on getting there. https://union.wisc.edu/visit/getting-here/.

Cancer sucks.

Ken would want you all to have a great day!

For those interested in attending, Ken's celebration will be at 1:00 on Sunday, March 1st at Memorial Union (Tripp Commons). There will be a visitation at 1:00, a program at 2:00 and a reception to follow until 5:00pm.

Questions about getting there and parking? Check the The Union events website:

https://union.wisc.edu/visit/getting-here/

UW provides a real time availability website for their garages:

https://transportation.wisc.edu/parking-lots/lot-occupancy-count/

The city's State Street Lot (entry address is 415 N. Lake Street) is about a 5 minute walk to the Union

You can also find his full obit at https://www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituary/Kenneth-Newman

Cress Funeral Home

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406