Kenneth T. Mcclarnon

Kenneth McClarnon of Sun Prairie, WI, passed away peacefully on January 19th at the age of 90, with family by his side.

Ken’s life was dynamic. He married his sweetheart, Jean, in 1953. In her he found a true complement and confidante. She was the yin to his yang and the soprano to his alto. Together they raised a lot of children (five) and a little hell.

Ken and Jean shared almost seventy beautiful years of marriage. Whether they were driving across the US in their Minnie Winnie or sailing their beloved boat “Embarking On Freedom” in Cornucopia, they deliberately carved out adventure and affection in every moment they shared together.

The truest definition of a renaissance man, Ken’s vocations were seemingly endless. He was a talented painter, poet, and guitar player; a former motorcyclist, bicyclist, and sailor; a student of Buddha, Swedenborg, Muhammed, and Emerson; a jokester and jester; a tinkerer who fixed typewriters and built instruments; and a master of rhymes and the perfectly brewed pot of Yorkshire Tea.

Ken’s depth and curiosity were astounding. He was always ready to welcome you into his world and introduce you to his passions. He loved philosophy and pondering the big questions of life. Whether you were his six-year-old grandchild or a door-to-door salesman, he was equally as excited to discuss life’s meaning over a cup of tea.

Ken loved music. He was a fan of Linda Ronstadt, the Grateful Dead, and Edith Piaf; but no music was sweeter to him than humming the White Cliffs of Dover with Jean in the Garden Cafe on Jeanie Court in Sun Prairie.

Ken is preceded in death by his lovely Jean, his sons Michael and Kevin, and his daughter Terry Chapman. He is survived by his loving children Colleen (Mark) Powers and Steve (Deb) McClarnon; his daughter-in-law Kim; his grandchildren Maggie (John), Noah (Danielle), Briana (Tami), Brenna (Shawn), Casey (Andy), and Ella (David); his great-grandchildren Emma, Amelia, Owen, Edison, Maddie, Liam, and Lily; his great-great-grandchild Sky; and volumes of stories and songs his family will pass down for generations in his memory.

Life celebration party will be held at a later date to celebrate his wonderful life.