Kenneth P. "Gouger" Ver Hoeven, 73, Combined Locks, died Saturday January 7, 2012 at Colony Oaks Care Center. He was born on October 5, 1938 to the late Henry and Ellen (Mitchler) Ver Hoeven. Ken served in the U.S. Navy with the Ninth Naval District Attack Squadron Thirty Four from 1956-1959. He married Judith Douglas on November 26, 1960 at St. Mary Parish in Kaukauna. Ken retired from the Thilmany Mill after 41 years of service. He enjoyed golfing with his friends Pee Wee, Wimp and Sardine. Ken earned his first hole in one while golfing on his 65th birthday.

Ken is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judith; children: Victoria (Marc) Dohr, Neenah; Kenneth (Tory), San Francisco; Gregory and Jason "O.J.", Combined Locks; grandchildren: Taylor and Riley Dohr, Joshua Vissers and Tiffany (Chris) O'Connell; sisters: Jean Schmidt, Ann (Jim) Albrecht, Margaret "Muggie" (Tom) Dercks, Marge Vosters and Vonnie (Stan) Martin; and sisters-in-law: Geraldine Belongia and Audrey Wydeven (also Ken's Godmother). He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Jim Pomeroy, Truman Schmidt, Joe Vosters, Lawrence Douglas, Harold Belongia, Martin Wydeven Jr., Arla Douglas, June (Julius) Bosmans and Fay (Wilbert) Gerrits.

A memorial gathering will be held Thursday January 12, 2012 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME beginning at 3:00 p.m. until the Celebration of Life Service at 5:00 p.m., with Chaplain Jordan Kuczwara officiating. Military rites conducted by the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60 will immediately follow.

Ken's family wishes to extend a warm thank you to his niece Kathy Hanson, special caregivers Leslie and Jill from ThedaCare Hospice and the staffs at Cherry Meadows and Colony Oaks for their compassionate care and support.