Kenneth Ronald Ryta

Kenneth R. "Ken" Ryta, age 71, of Waukesha, WI, passed away peacefully with his family near, on October 15, 2023 at Angel's Grace Hospice.  Born on May 31, 1952, Kenneth's life was one that left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

Ken graduated from New Berlin West High School in 1970.  He was Prom King of his class and the Badger Boys State representative.  He was an athlete in both basketball and football.  He also loved to play golf.  For many years he played softball as a catcher, and was the fastest guy on the bases.

Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1971-1973.  He was a member of the 3rd Division/67th ADA, A Battery stationed in Giebelstadt, Germany.   Ken rose to the rank of Spec 4 with Sergeant Stripes.  He and the members of his unit were crewmen on M163 Vulcans, the Air Defense System. A group of his army buddies, aka "Giebers" have reconnected and became like brothers again immediately.  When Ken passed away, one of these men wrote, "I will always think of Ken as Sergeant Ryta.  We respected him and would do anything for him.  He was a leader and we would have followed him to the end." 

Ken went to work for G.E. Medical Systems in 1973.  He began as an apprentice plumber, went to U.W. Waukesha to complete his classes and worked to become a journeyman plumber.  He spent 36 years at G.E. in maintenance, and retired in 2009.  He then worked for 5 more years delivering car parts for Griffin Ford in Waukesha.

Ken married Corene "Cori" (Bokelman) on September 14th, 1996, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Waukesha, WI.  They have been inseparable ever since.  They were best friends, and the loves of each other's lives, and shared nearly all of their interests.  They also shared a deep faith in God that was always central in their lives.  

After 2014, Ken retired completely, and he was able to spend his time making the yard look like a park, fishing, hiking and playing golf.  After Cori retired in 2020, they loved to go to the beach, hike, fish and travel.  The very best time of their lives together was a 3 week, 6,120 mile trip through the northwest visiting all of the Nat'l Parks in Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Cori Ryta; his sisters, Pat Ryta and Vicki (Ryta) Menghe; his brother, Jeff Ryta; nephew Jesse Menghe and his wife Kelly (Darmody) Menghe, and their two children Louie and Rose; nephew Angelo Menghe and his husband Austin Krogh; nephew Jeffrey Ryta and niece Abbie Ryta and their mother Lee Anne (Walstrom) Ryta; Julie Disseler (wife of step-father Wayne Disseler); cousins Terry and Lori Kadow, and many other relatives and friends.  He will also be greatly missed by his two kitties, Karma and Kismet.  They loved their "daddy" very much!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norrie and Bernice (Tronsen) Ryta, his step-father Wayne Disseler, his brother-in-law James Menghe, and his aunt and uncle, Chet and Florence Kadow.

While our hearts ache with sorrow at his loss, we should remember Ken with celebration—a celebration of a life lived with unmatched humor, wit, passion, love, and what his friends called his "machine gun laugh", which was recognized by anyone who knew him and brought a smile to the face of anyone who heard it.

Rest in peace, Ken. We love you forever, and we will see you in heaven.

Condolences/stories can be left at:  https://obits.cremationsocietyofwaukesha.com/kenneth-ryta

Donations can be made to:  Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) or Angel's Grace Hospice, N74W35908 Servants' Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066

There will be a family only chapel service and a larger celebration of Ken's life at a later date.