Obituaries

Kenneth A. Van Gorder, 72, of Cameron, Wis., passed away at home on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. JoEllen Van Gorder, 76, of Cameron, Wis., passed away on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Attic Angel Place in Middleton, Wis.

Ken was born on August 31, 1949, to Denzil and Gladys (Scheuerman) Van Gorder in Eau Claire before moving to Waukesha during middle school. Jo was born on September 18, 1945, to Robert and Doris (Goff) Mielke in Waukesha, where she was raised and attended school. They married on September 20th, 1969, and resided in Waukesha and Pewaukee. Both worked as radiology technologists at Waukesha Memorial Hospital.

In 1988, the couple relocated to Cameron, where Ken pursued his career as an ultrasound technologist at Shared Medical Technology. Jo continued her work as a radiology technologist at Barron Hospital before transitioning to a pharmacy technician role at Osterbauer Drugs in Rice Lake. In his twenties and thirties, Ken attended several colleges to study English literature, not for a profession but for fun. They shared a love for reading, golfing, fishing, and spoiling their grandchildren. Jo enjoyed playing games and watching game shows, and Ken never missed an episode of Jeopardy. Additionally, they both took pleasure in watching Wisconsin college and professional sports teams. Ken had a particular fondness for the Brewers due to his lifelong love of baseball and was proud to be a Packers shareholder. Jo also enjoyed bringing their family together during the holidays.

Surviving them are their children, Allen (Jodi) Van Gorder and Alissa (David) Castellanos; grandchildren, Rhiannon (Gabriel Wickey) and Shane (Cierra Susitti) Van Gorder, Emilia, Lucy, and Ella Castellanos; great-grandson, Magnus Wickey; Ken's sister, Beverly (Tom) Rawlings; Jo's siblings, Kari (Peter) Hertel, Robert Mielke, and the late Sara (David) Mielke-Wolf, who passed away in February 2023. They are also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joyce Oakes. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Sandra Cadd.

A casual celebration of their lives will be held on June 24, 2023, starting at 1:00 p.m. at Naga-Waukee Park in Hartland, Wis.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257