Pleasant Prairie, WI. Kenneth M. Wierzba, age 75, passed away at home on Monday, May 18, 2026, after a valiant six-year battle with cancer. The son of the late Michael Hubert Wierzba and Emily Kowalski, he was born on November 1, 1950, in Stevens Point, WI, into a large, close Polish American family. He was the fourth born and first son of nine children. His parents exemplified how family, hard work, frugality, a strong moral compass, and deep faith were the hallmarks of a life well lived. Ken followed their example throughout his life.
Ken graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a degree in chemical engineering and worked for ten years at DuPont, followed by 35 years at Abbott Laboratories/Abbvie which he retired as a highly respected Senior Project Manager. During his tenure, he was sought out for his ability to focus both on the details and the broad scope of complex projects and was incredibly well respected by his colleagues. He spent long stretches of time in Puerto Rico and Singapore, involved in the redevelopment of pharmaceutical plants.
Ken was a problem solver, whether it was to delve deeply into the design of industrial processes or to simply focus on a regular stream of Sudoku or crossword puzzles. In retirement, he enjoyed sitting at the kitchen table, reading multiple papers, working on puzzles, and sipping on a cup of coffee. Ken brought his engineering mindset to everything he touched, including the baking of sourdough bread, which he was determined to perfect. He was also a huge Green Bay Packers fan. He was quietly generous with his time, often helping family, friends, and neighbors even while undergoing cancer treatment.
Ken met his wife of 39 years, Barbara Jennings (Krabbe) Wierzba, when living in the same apartment complex in the suburbs of Chicago. Barb, an extrovert, casually asked if Ken, an introvert, would like to play tennis, and the rest is history. During their marriage, they grew together in their Christian faith and were active members of CrossWay Community Church. They liked to spend time together working in their yard, tending to their flower and vegetable gardens. They especially enjoyed spending time with their kids and grandkids. Ken was close to his siblings and enjoyed competitive but friendly Cribbage and Pinochle matches, and fishing trips with them. His family reunions were huge, given his 8 siblings, 20 nephews and nieces, plus 40 great and great great niblings, etc.
The greatest joy in Ken’s life was his two boys, David and Peter, and his four grandchildren, Renner, Edison, Imogene, and Alister. Despite traveling for work throughout much of his children’s childhood, he was an engaged dad who prioritized providing his boys with a comfortable home and a solid foundation in love. He cared deeply about their happiness and well-being. Although his grandchildren lived 6 hours away, he and his wife Barbara regularly engaged with them over FaceTime and enjoyed family vacations together on Lake Superior. One of his greatest disappointments is that he won’t see them grow into adults.
In addition to his devoted wife, Barbara, and sons, David (Melissa), Peter Wierzba (Audrey Miller); his survivors include four grandchildren: Renner (10), Edison (8), Imogene (6), and Alister (4). And also, five sisters: Eunice (Larry) Zwicki, Stevens Point; Christine (Lawrence) Groholski, Hugo, MN; Barbara (Robert) Groholski, Custer; Doris Wierzba, Stevens Point; Mary (Christopher) Kowal, Milwaukee. And three brothers: Patrick (Anne) Wausau; Ronald (Donna), Custer; Jeffrey (Josueh), Robbinsdale, MN.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Emily Wierzba; his brother-in-law, Mac Groholski, and his in-laws, Don and Charlene Krabbe.
A luncheon will follow the service.
Private Interment will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Custer, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kenosha Christian Academy www.kca.school/donate or to Engineers Without Borders https://support.ewb-usa.org would be appreciated.
