Kenneth “Ken” Dzurick, 93, and Ellen Mae (Adams) “Ellie” Dzurick, 90, longtime residents of the Marinette and Porterfield area, passed away just 26 hours apart. Ellie passed away on October 30, 2026, followed by Ken on October 31, 2026.
Married for 70 years, Ken and Ellie were devout Catholics who built a life centered on faith, family, friendships, hard work, and shared adventures. Family meant everything to them. They especially enjoyed traveling to visit their granddaughters, sharing family celebrations, and spending time with those they loved.
Some of their happiest memories were made camping with longtime friends Dolly, John, Ted, Ag, Fay, and Ronnie. There were countless laughs around the campfire, stories to share, and friendships that lasted for decades. They also enjoyed country music festivals, bus tours throughout the United States, and discovering new places together.
Ken spent his working years at Marinette Fuel and Dock, where he served as a manager. In retirement, he put his many practical skills to use as a jack-of-all-trades at Stephenson National Bank and Trust. He valued the people he worked with and took pride in his responsibilities. Ellie spent most of her career at Marinette County Health & Human Services, where she helped people navigate life’s challenges and find the support they needed. Both brought the same care and dedication to their work that they showed their family.
Ellie was generous, determined, and always finding another project. Whether volunteering, helping someone in need, baking treats to share, or bringing people together, she found joy in doing things for others. She treasured her friendships, including those formed during her years at Human Services, and continued enjoying gatherings with former coworkers long after retirement.
Ken was a gentle, good-natured man who was always willing to lend a hand. He took pride in his meticulously kept yard and enjoyed daily walks and bike rides, always carrying a treat in his pocket for the dogs he met along the way. He loved attending local sporting events and cheering on the Brewers, including trips to the ballpark.
Their passing just a day apart marked the close of a marriage spanning seven decades. While their family will miss them deeply, there is comfort in remembering the full and meaningful life they shared.
Ken and Ellie are survived by their daughters, Wendy Dzurick and Melissa (Bryan) Kadlec;
granddaughters, Emma (Garrett) and Molly (John), and great fur-grandchildren, Huxley and Kevin; and their son, David (Lisa) Dzurick, and his fur-children, Joy and Blake.
Also surviving are Ken’s sisters, Jean Jasinski, Fay Meyer, and Joyce (Doug) Carriveau; cousins, nieces, and nephews, who held a special place in their hearts; and lifelong family friends, Michelle (Bernardy) O’Hara and her husband, John, and John (Donna) Bernardy.
They were preceded in death by their infant daughter, Lynn; their parents, Charlotte and Dave Adams and Ida and Andrew Dzurick; their brothers and brothers-in-law, Ralph Adams, Ron Adams, Loren Adams, Jim Dzurick, and Ron Meyer; and their sisters-in-law, Roseanne Darga, Gloria Adams, Kay Adams, and Helen Dzurick.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the teams at Unity Hospice and Moments Hospice, with special appreciation to Madison, Necia, and Betsy for their exceptional guidance, care, and support. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the entire Renaissance and Residence by Rennes staff for their compassion, kindness, and dedication to Ken and Ellie.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions received in honor of Ken and Ellie will be donated to Salvation Army and Marinette Baseball at Peterson Ballpark, two organizations they were passionate about supporting.
Visitation will be Friday morning, November 6th at Hansen-Onion-Martell funeral home from 9 until 11:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass for Ken and Ellie will be offered at 12 noon on Friday at Holy Family Parish-Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Taylor St. The Reverend Celestine Byekwaso will be the celebrant. A private family burial will take place at Forest Home Cemetery.
