Kenneth Aaron Near, Sr., age 83, passed away Saturday, March 27, 2021 at Cumberland Hospital.

He was born December 31, 1937 to Kenneth and Elnora (Fahler) Near in Mendota, IL. He dropped out of school at 16 to begin his lifelong profession of farming.

In November, 1960, he married the love of his life, Shirley Sweger. They were married 57 years until Shirley’s death in 2018.  They had 7 children. They moved to Dallas, Wisconsin in 1979 and started dairy farming.

In the last few years, he enjoyed his family, working around Barron and playing solitaire.

Kenneth is survived by his children, Beth (Daren) Sandmann of Barron; Dolores (Jim Roulston) Tietz of Cumberland, Lisa (Gary) Jenness of Dallas, Michael Near of Dallas and Aaron Near of Waupon; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; 2 sons, Kevin and Steven; great-grandson, Easton; and his brother, Alvin.

The family would like to thank the employees of Woodland Elementary, the crossing guards, Home Town Pharmacy, Wiehe’s Hardware Store, CCF Bank and all the other friends and neighbors who took the time each day to stop and talk and make his day special. He will be missed greatly by those he left behind.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Wayside Cemetery in Barron with Pastor Darrel Robinson of Hope Baptist Church officiating.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Mar 30, 2021 12:55 pm CDT