Obituary for Kenneth K. Gestl
Kenneth Karl Gestl, age 82, entered God’s Kingdom in his home Christmas day, 2022, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 4th, 1940 to Karl and Anna Gestl. Proceeded in death by his parents and loving older sister, Dolores Marusik.
Ken is survived by his wife and soulmate, Kathleen Beiler Gestl and former wife, Gloria Gestl. His memory lives on with daughters Janet (Thomas) Marczewski, Sandy (the late Sabba) Jaipuri, Jeannie (Randy) Call, Krystal (Michal) Kubas, Mandy Flores, and has been reunited with daughter Karen Gestl. Stepfather to Joe (Judy) Beiler and John (Cindy) Beiler. Father figure to Sharon, Debbie, and Sue nee Marusik. Brother-in-law to Richard and Janet Grochowski, and Jan and Del Betzhold. Proud grandfather to Taylor (Alex) Knight, Jonathan and the late Jacob Girard, Ali, Isabelle, Solomon, and the late Nathan Jaipuri, Sophie and Cristiano Kubas, Becky (Tim) Grelk, Jessie (Matt) Mazur, Chelsea (Matthew) Schneider, Alicia (Nathan) Loveless, Gabrielle Beiler, and Dylan Beiler. Loving great-grandfather to Malik and Jaylin Flores, Luke Knight, Clayton, Ella, and Cecelia Mazur, and Elizabeth and Madelyn Grelk. Godfather to Debbie Anderson, Roger Anderson Jr, and Cindy Sweet.
Ken was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service from 1961-2001. Exceptional not only at his job, but also at being a handsome man, Ken received the title of best dressed postman. He also put his strong intellect and physique to great use as a staff sergeant of the United States Air Force Reserve from 1963 until he was honorably discharged in 1969 at which point he had accessed the highest security clearance and received the accolade of sharp shooter. Known as a collector and admirer of fishing, planes, trains, books, and many other things, but cherished nothing more than the friends and family he loved so deeply. Stranger to none, friend to all. Ken’s warm heart and joyful spirit was undeniable. Although he will be greatly missed, his light shines on through the many souls who survive him.
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Visitation at Divine Mercy Parish, 800 Marquette Ave in South Milwaukee, 9-11am on Friday, December 30, 2022. Catholic mass to follow immediately at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Capuchin Community Services or St. Jude Childrens Hospital would be appreciated.
Born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 4th, 1940 to Karl and Anna Gestl. Proceeded in death by his parents and loving older sister, Dolores Marusik.
Ken is survived by his wife and soulmate, Kathleen Beiler Gestl and former wife, Gloria Gestl. His memory lives on with daughters Janet (Thomas) Marczewski, Sandy (the late Sabba) Jaipuri, Jeannie (Randy) Call, Krystal (Michal) Kubas, Mandy Flores, and has been reunited with daughter Karen Gestl. Stepfather to Joe (Judy) Beiler and John (Cindy) Beiler. Father figure to Sharon, Debbie, and Sue nee Marusik. Brother-in-law to Richard and Janet Grochowski, and Jan and Del Betzhold. Proud grandfather to Taylor (Alex) Knight, Jonathan and the late Jacob Girard, Ali, Isabelle, Solomon, and the late Nathan Jaipuri, Sophie and Cristiano Kubas, Becky (Tim) Grelk, Jessie (Matt) Mazur, Chelsea (Matthew) Schneider, Alicia (Nathan) Loveless, Gabrielle Beiler, and Dylan Beiler. Loving great-grandfather to Malik and Jaylin Flores, Luke Knight, Clayton, Ella, and Cecelia Mazur, and Elizabeth and Madelyn Grelk. Godfather to Debbie Anderson, Roger Anderson Jr, and Cindy Sweet.
Ken was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service from 1961-2001. Exceptional not only at his job, but also at being a handsome man, Ken received the title of best dressed postman. He also put his strong intellect and physique to great use as a staff sergeant of the United States Air Force Reserve from 1963 until he was honorably discharged in 1969 at which point he had accessed the highest security clearance and received the accolade of sharp shooter. Known as a collector and admirer of fishing, planes, trains, books, and many other things, but cherished nothing more than the friends and family he loved so deeply. Stranger to none, friend to all. Ken’s warm heart and joyful spirit was undeniable. Although he will be greatly missed, his light shines on through the many souls who survive him.
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.
Visitation at Divine Mercy Parish, 800 Marquette Ave in South Milwaukee, 9-11am on Friday, December 30, 2022. Catholic mass to follow immediately at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Capuchin Community Services or St. Jude Childrens Hospital would be appreciated.