Kenneth D. Brighum, Combined Locks, age 86, died Sunday, July 29, 2018 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born in Manawa on September 28, 1931 to the late Harry and Maisey (Gordon) Brighum. Ken served in the U.S. Navy from 1950-54 during the Korean War and was very proud of his service. He married the love of his life, Millie Smith, at Manawa Methodist Church on June 16, 1956. Ken worked as a machinist at the Menasha Corporation until his retirement. Ken loved to sing, earning him the nickname "Songbird" during high school. He sang barbershop with the Fox Valleyaires, and was a member of the Peace United Methodist Church Choir, Hallelujah Chorus and the Young at Heart Singers at the Thompson Center. Ken was very devoted and proud of his family and shared that with everyone he met.

Ken is survived by his wife of 62 years, Millie; children: Deb (Tim) Mann, Larsen; Kathie (Lee) Feuerstein, Green Bay; Carol (Dennis) Smits, Combined Locks; Ruth (Bruce) Kieffer, Neenah; James (Carol) Brighum, Little Chute; Mary (Steve) Smits, Kaukauna; and Beckie (Steve) Reinke, Darboy; 21 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother, Gordon Brighum; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Harold Noland, Tom (Mary) Smith, Richard (Kathy) Smith, Dave (Theresa) Kuehl, Diane Smith, Jean Smith and Chloie Luckow.   He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his grandson, Justin Kenneth Kieffer; brothers: Albert, Harry (Caroline), Melvin and Lester (Diane) Brighum; sister, Elnora Noland; Millie's parents, Harold and Thelma Smith; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Marietta Brighum, Harold, John and Edgar Smith, Lillian (Jim) Halverson and Susan Smith.

Visitation will be held on August 10, 2018 at PEACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (2300 Wisconsin Ave. Kaukauna) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Funeral at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Lucretia Fehrmann will officiate. Military honors, conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319 and American Legion Post 41, will immediately follow. Committal Highland Memorial Park.

Ken's family would like to extend a special thank you to Bob and Karen Wanek for helping to keep him singing and the 4 ^th floor nurses at St. Elizabeth Hospital for their comforting care.