Kenneth L. Checkai

Kenneth L. Checkai, Jr. died on April 28, 2026 at 74 after a short battle with COPD and asthma.

Loving husband of the late Deborah Marie Checkai (nee Busalacchi). Proud father of Sabrina Lynn (Jason) Messer, and doting grandfather of Emily Deborah. Ken was born on February 12, 1952 to the late Kenneth L Checkai, Sr and late Marylin (nee Weisensel) Meyer, and was a special step-son to Clarence Meyer. He was the middle child of three, with a protective loving older sister Patricia (Randall) Gnadt, and a fun-loving goofy younger brother Ignatius (Cheryl) Checkai. Survived by mother-in-law Marlene Busalacchi and dear friend sister-in-law Jerelyn Semmelmann.

Uncle to Michelle (Matthew) Fischer, Christopher (Stephanie) Gnadt, Joseph (Marissa) Gnadt, Anton (Sarah) Gnadt, Joshua (Clarissa) Checkai, and Sarah Checkai. Uncle Bud to Austen Semmelmann (Sierah Gurske), Carley (Nick) Semmelmann-Wojciechowski, Dillon Semmelmann, and Evelyn Semmelmann.

Preceded in death by beloved father-in-law Thomas Busalacchi, dedicated brother-in-law Scott Semmelmann, dear family friend Mike Straube, and more family and friends than he cared to count.

Ken was a renaissance man when it came to jobs and knowledge. He drove semi trucks, he cleaned kitchens at east side restaurants like Pitch’s, he worked at the Continental Can Company (where he met his wife Debbie), and at Cardinal Welding. His career settled on tool and die, and he worked at Briggs and Stratton at both the 124th street plant and the Good Hope plant. The Good Hope plant spun off into Strattec Securities, where he retired.

Retirement could not hold Ken! He got his bartending license within a few years of retirement and started tending bar part time. He worked at Devine’s Lariat, VFW post 449, and the Cardinal Club. He helped out at Bottoms Up to support his friends. He did not need to work, he wanted to work. His purpose and passion was taking care of his friends and family.

Ken was highly intelligent and curious. He earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration at MATC, and graduated the same week his daughter graduated from high school. Ken and Bree often did homework together! He liked to read and do crossword and word search puzzles. He loved to create things with everyday items to help make life easier.

Ken’s lifelong hobby was bowling, he enjoyed figuring out the right lines on the alleys, even if it frustrated him! He is leaving behind many friends from Deuster’s Lanes and bowling alleys across Wisconsin.

Ken was kind, loving, protective, smart, loyal, generous, and funny. We are all fortunate to have had him in our lives.

Many thanks to the Medical ICU staff at Froedtert Hospital & Medical College of WI.

Visitation will be at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The funeral service begins at 7:00 PM. Private burial at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Medical ICU department at Froedtert Hospital-Milwaukee.