Kenneth Wayne Sharpee, a cherished husband, father, grandfather and dedicated farmer, passed away on October 24, 2025, at the age of 81 after injuries sustained from a farming accident.
Kenneth Wayne was born on June 7, 1944, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Palmer and Ruth (Vine) Sharpee. Ken married Mary Lou Hutchison on August 10, 1974, forming a partnership and family built on shared visions and goals.
Ken was a throwback to America’s greatest generation and was focused on education and an honest day’s work. Some of his proudest achievements, aside from fatherhood and being a grandpa, were his academic successes, which started in a single room schoolhouse in the township of Hampden, WI and led to a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and a master’s degree in Soil Science, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed his educational journey with a Doctorate in Soil Science from Cornell University. During his freshman year at UW-Madison he rowed for the UW crew team and he reminisced fondly about his time on the water. A fervent supporter of UW-Madison, Ken enjoyed being on campus, going to football and hockey games, and attending any UW Marching Band event. He enjoyed staying up to date on new UW research findings and communicating with the UW Agriculture Extension specialists about new farming practices – he would even occasionally sneak into a campus lecture. His career as a fourth-generation farmer on his family farm, which he considered to be his greatest legacy, blended perfectly with his love of science. Ken often treated the farm as a laboratory to test new agricultural innovations, allowing him to continue his fascination in and commitment to the scientific process. While his passions were farming and science, his heart was filled with a love for dogs and his two granddaughters.
Ken built many strong friendships working with his wife for the Columbia County Democratic Party and was a tireless advocate for education, environmental justice and research funding. He was the living embodiment of the Wisconsin Idea, which promoted advancing science for the benefit of all Wisconsin citizens. He demanded a lot of himself yet was always willing to help a neighbor or friend whenever needed.
Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Rio; children, Katharine (David Gerk) Sharpee of Arlington, VA, and William Carey Sharpee of Laurel, MD; grandchildren, Elin and Malin Gerk; brothers, Richard (Jeri) Sharpee of Lake in the Hills, IL and Rolf (Barbara) Sharpee of Rhinelander, WI; nieces and nephews; cousins, neighbors and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The visitation for Ken will be at Spring Prairie Lutheran Church in Keyeser, WI on Monday, November 3, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. The funeral service will follow at the church on Monday at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Rick Bursh officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to the University of Wisconsin Madison Extension would be greatly appreciated. https://extension.wisc.edu.
The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Columbus is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website. www.KoepsellFH.com.
