Final Salute

Kenneth “Ken” L. DeRango passed away at his residence on Friday, August 7th, after a short battle with terminal lung cancer.

Kenneth was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on July 21st, 1945, to Albert and Vera (Willis) DeRango. In 1964, Ken graduated from Saint Catherine’s High School. He proudly served with the United States Navy Seabees Reserves, fought in the Vietnam War, and was a life member of the VFW. After his honorable Navy service, he married Carol (McKloskey) DeRango. During their marriage, Ken and Carol had two beautiful children, Michael and Theresa. They eventually divorced.

After 30 years of employment at Twin Disc Inc. in Racine, Ken retired in 1997. After retiring, Ken moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where he met and married his wife, Gloria (Pilgard) DeRango, in 2002, and became a born-again Christian. Together, they moved to Aiken, South Carolina, in 2005 to enjoy the East Coast, especially the city of Charleston. In 2013, they moved to Woodstock, Illinois, to be closer to Gloria’s family. Gloria passed away in 2015 from cancer. After Gloria’s death, Kenneth moved back to Wisconsin, specifically Salem, to be closer to his children.

Ken enjoyed the Ozark Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and all water sports, including fishing, swimming, and boating. Ken also loved cars.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Vera DeRango; his wife, Gloria DeRango; and both of his children, Theresa (DeRango) Nelson and Michael DeRango. He is survived by his sister, Carol DeRango (Gary); grandchildren, Zachary Centell (Megan), Ali Centell, Jacob Nelson, Angelina Nelson, and Jack McKloskey; and great-granddaughter, Natalee Schuman. He is also survived by his aunt, Dorothy (DeRango) Waldron; niece, Laurie Uminski; nephew, Jim Uminski; and son-in-law, Mickey Johnson.

Arrangements and cremation are being handled by Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Friday, September 4, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Josh Mathews of CrossWay Community Church presiding. Following the interment, Pastor Josh will host a memorial luncheon honoring Kenneth at CrossWay Community Church, located at 13905 75th Street, Bristol, 53104, at 11:30 a.m. Doors will open at 11:00 a.m.

Kenneth’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of support and care shown to Ken and his family during the last few months of Ken’s life, especially from his Echo Lane neighbors, the members of the CrossWay Community Church congregation, and the staff at Robin Way Assisted Living.

DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERALHOME AND CREMATORY

4600 COUNTY LINE ROAD MOUNT PLEASANT, WI 53403 | 262-552-9000

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