Ken went to his heavenly home, surrounded by his loving wife and two children on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at St. Paul Home. He was born on April 28, 1942 in Wrightstown to the late Alvin and Mary (Powers) Zirbel and graduated from Wrightstown High School in 1960. Ken married Mary Doolittle at Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna on September 28, 1963. He retired from the Outagamie County Highway Department. Ken loved the outdoors. Whether it was summers up north at Lake Tomahawk enjoying campfires, snowshoe baseball, or boating, he loved it all. He also loved to predict the snowfalls each year, something his mother taught him to do. His hobbies included photography (especially wildlife photos), watching the Packers, baking bread, watching cooking shows, and woodworking. Together, Ken and Mary wintered 10 years in Florida. He also enjoyed playing Sheephead and meeting up with good friends at The Pub and Tommy G's for a cold beer.

Ken is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary; children: Susan (Brad) Helms of Kaukauna (and their children: Chelsea (significant other Ryan Vande Hey) Helms, Morgan (Dominic) Haen and their daughter Emma, and Tanner Helms; and Kenneth J. (Constance) Zirbel, Jr. of Kaukauna (and their children: Dr. Chad (Karissa Propson) Zirbel, Maxwell Zirbel, Cole (significant other Carrie Hischer) Zirbel and Abigail (Eric) Sajdak; siblings: Bonnie Teitler, Tom (Karen) Zirbel, Judy (Bruce) Ludke and Marie Zirbel; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Dave (Donna), Joanne and Jim Doolittle. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Elmer and Irene Doolittle; brother, Pat Zirbel; and in-laws: Howard Teitler, Richard and Patty Doolittle.

In accordance with Ken's wishes, no funeral will be held.

Ken's family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Timothy Goggins and his staff for their wonderful care through the years. They would also like to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Fremont Tower, 4th floor, who showed true compassion to Ken. An additional thank you to the amazing staff, including Bella the therapy dog, and hospice staff at St. Paul Rehab Center for their warm-hearted care in his final days.

During his seven year battle with cancer, Ken pushed forward showing strength and resilience daily. To know him as a person, he was kind, witty, loving and willing to help others. His amazing spirit will be carried on by his wife, Mary, and their children…