Kenneth Derfus

Kenneth M. Derfus, Age 88, of Unity, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at House of the Dove in Marshfield under the care of Compassus Hospice.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Colby with Rev. Arockia Amirtha Raj Stanislaus presiding. He was laid to rest in the parish cemetery. Family and friends were invited to gather at the church on Thursday for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The honor of pallbearer was bestowed upon his grandchildren: Shannon Derfus, Jordan Derfus, Tyler Coughlin, Lauren Derfus, Abby Derfus, Brett Coughlin, and Kassidy Derfus.

Kenneth was born to Ben and Anna Mary (Schroeder) Derfus on May 18, 1937, in Marshfield. He was united in marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Christine Schultz, on July 27, 1963, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Stratford. Together, they raised three children, Mark, Cheryl and Kevin. He was employed as a cheesemaker for many years.

He was a member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Colby.

Playing cards with his grandchildren kept him young and he enjoyed every minute of time with them. When the grandchildren weren’t visiting, he liked to kick back and watch the Green Bay Packers, NASCAR racing or listen to polka music with a ‘Pabst’ or ‘Old Milwaukee’ beer in his hand. He even kept busy doing yard work. Ken also had a fondness for reading western paperbacks. He loved spoiling his dog, Teddy. Those who will cherish his memory include his loving wife of just one day shy of 62 years of marriage, Christine; his children: Mark Derfus of Marshfield, Cheryl (David) Coughlin of Green Bay and Kevin (Jean) Derfus of Eau Claire; his grandchildren: Shannon, Jordan and Lauren Derfus, Tyler and Brett Coughlin and Abby and Kassidy Derfus; his goddaughter, Linda Brock of Madison; his sister, Kathleen Hoffmann of Wausau and his brother, Robert (Gloria) Derfus of New Hope, Minn.

Kenneth is now re-united with his parents, Ben and Anna Mary Derfus and his brother-inlaw, Kenneth “Pete” Hoffmann.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting memorials in Ken’s name for House of the Dove in Marshfield and St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Colby.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Compassus at House of the Dove in Marshfield for the excellent care and support given to Kenneth and his family during his last days.

Ken’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Family and friends are encouraged to visit www. lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share memories and offer condolences.

Paidobituary 172699