Kenneth Altorfer

Kenneth Julius Altorfer, age 84, of Englewood, Florida and Tomahawk, WI passed away August 14, 2008 at the Harbor House Assisted Living Facility in Merrill WI. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 9, 1922 to George and Mildred (Woehrle) Altorfer. On May 25, 1947, he married Bettie Penniston in Darlington WI. Ken graduated from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana in 1940 as a first lieutenant in the Army Reserves. He served the 3rd Infantry Division as a platoon leader in Anzio, Italy in World War II, receiving the Bronze star for bravery in action, as well as the combat infantry badge. Ken graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1949 with a degree in horticulture/landscape architecture. After graduation, he joined McKay Nursery in Waterloo, WI, and served as executive vice-president until his retirement in 1988. Ken was president of the Wisconsin Nurserymen's Association and was on the Board of Directors of the American Association of Nurserymen for six years, while serving as president from 1972-1973. During his presidency, he and Bettie were invited to the White House and met with President Nixon's wife. Ken enjoyed working with all the employees at the nursery and considered many of them friends. Even though Ken was born in Chicago, he considered himself a true Badger fan, Packer fan, and Milwaukee Braves fan, as he did business with Eddie Matthews and Johnnie Logan. He enjoyed spending time with his family and had many wonderful trips to Florida with his wife, Bettie, in his retirement to the Englewood, Florida area. They resided in Tomahawk in the summer months. Ken is survived by his wife, Bettie, and two daughters, Janet (Larry) Anderson of Sun Prairie WI, Judy (Ed) Privette of Merrill WI, and grandsons Aaron (Dawn) Anderson, Brett (Tiffany) Anderson, Cory (Holly) Anderson, Charlie Privette and Andy Privette, sister-in-law Marilynn Ullrich, and brother-in-law Carroll Harris. Ken is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two stepmothers, and brother - George. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. We all loved you so much.