Kenneth G. Heitz, 92 of Lake Mills (formally Jefferson), passed away on peacefully on Friday, August 3, 2024, at the Lake House of Lake Mills.

Ken was born on June 6, 1932, in Hubbleton, WI, the son of Henry and Lydia (Amborn) Heitz.  He graduated from Waterloo High School in 1950 and immediately enlisted in the US Navy. He  was stationed in the South Pacific during the Korean War.  He was honorably discharged in 1954, and attended UW-Stout. On October 27, 1956, he married Shirley Chilsen at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waterloo.  The couple had 2 children, Thomas and Kerri.  He began his career in law enforcement in 1960 with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and later for the City of Jefferson, retiring as a Detective in 1987.  Ken’s life’s passion was to serve and protect and he lived his calling daily.  He served as Commander and in other offices with the local VFW and was a member of the American Legion.  He studied and enjoyed photography.  Wisconsin sports teams were followed closely and the “game” was always on.  His family remembers Ken watching the NFL Draft with his notes and papers being studied carefully - making sure the Packers got the right guy.  His family admired his character and willingness to put others before himself and he will be dearly missed.

He is survived by: his wife of 67 “wonnnnderful years” Shirley Heitz of Lake Mills; children Thomas (Mary Berry) Heitz of Jefferson and Kerri (Bradley) Houston of Port St. Lucie, FL; grandchildren Thomas L.C. Heitz, Courtney Houston, and Taylor (Matt) Volkens; and 2 great-grandson Dallas and Lyric.  Ken is also survived by a number of other family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon, and other family members.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, August 9, 2024, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Jefferson with Rev. Christopher Raiford presiding.  Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00AM until the time of service at the church.  He will be buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown during a private family service.