Kenneth Dale “Gatten” L’Esperance was born June 13, 1956 in Fond du Lac, WI to Genevieve L’Esperance.

Shortly after he was placed in the loving home of Raymond and Elizabeth Gatten, residents of Danbury, WI.

He was raised with his siblings Kenneth “Frank” (Gloria), JoAnn (Jim Berg) and Darryl Connor (Cindy). They enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to work with their father. Ken attended Webster High School and graduated in 1974. In 1975 he married Roberta (Robinson).

In 1978 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before being honorably discharged after 20 years of service. While stationed in Germany their son Jess W. was born in 1979 and while stationed in New York their son Kenneth (Kal) was born in 1981.

Kenneth moved to Durand, WI where he lived with his companion Jeanne (Daniel) and in 1988 their son Patrick D. was born.

Kenneth had many skills as a carpenter and renovated his home in Eau Claire, WI and built a home in New Lisbon, WI. In 2011 Kenneth married Renee (Lindemann). They had been introduced by their mutual close friend Karen and Chuck Hotvedt.

Kenneth worked for the State Patrol in Wisconsin as a dispatcher for 27 years, ending his career in State Employment as a correctional Sergeant in the Department of Corrections. Kenneth and Renee returned to Danbury, WI and spent his years in retirement traveling, spending time with his children and grandchildren and his projects.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Gatten; sister, JoAnn; and his nephew, Billy.

He is survived by his wife, Renee; children, Jess, Kal (Lindy) and Patrick; stepdaughters, Kali and Bria Morgan; grandchildren, Kiley, Isaak, Alyah, Thorin and Lou; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 starting at 12:00 PM with Military Honors at 1:00 PM at the Northland Community Center.

Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home.

Last Update: Feb 21, 2023 2:15 pm CST