Kenneth “Kenny” E. Newby, age 80, of Plover, died peacefully on January 19, 2018 after a brief stay at North Crest Assisted Living in Stevens Point.

Kenny was born October 2, 1937 to the late Clarence & Marjorie (Rogers) Newby in Milladore, WI. He attended schools for the deaf in Marshfield and Stevens Point, graduating from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1958.

He married Carol Becker on June 13, 1970 at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI. They were happily married for 47 years.

Kenny started working at the age of 16 picking various vegetables and greens in Plover. During his early 20’s he worked a range of construction jobs in Milwaukee and Chicago. Because of his love for the outdoors, he found interest in masonry. He worked for various contractors as a licensed mason, eventually running his own masonry business for 30 years.

Kenny left his mark throughout his life not only on the buildings he helped design and create, but in the friendships and relationships he had with the people he met along the way.  He helped create a better life for his family through; hard work, discipline, and a belief that there was always a better way. He enjoyed storytelling: deer hunting, woodworking advice, and how he could problem solve any issue. Hobbies included hunting, fishing, playing softball, bowling, horseshoes, carpentry, water skiing and dancing until closing time at the Sherriland Ballroom. He relished watching sports in general, Packers, Badgers, and especially Men’s Pointer Basketball.  Kenny was a heck of a dancer, despite being deaf, and would strike up a conversation given the opportunity with anyone.  He wasn’t one to let his disability define him or his life.  His spirit, determination, grit, laugh, and smile is imprinted on our lives and will be forever remembered.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Plover; daughter, Julie (Eric) Gentz of Madison; son, Scott (Melissa) Newby of Midlothian, Virginia; grandchildren, Dylan and Shanna Newby, Jacqueline and Evan Gentz. He is further survived by brothers, Melvin Newby (Plover), Ramon (Sandra) Newby of Junction City, Roy (Kathleen) Newby of Mellen, WI, Benjamin Newby (Plover) and Larry (Robyn) Newby Anchorage, AK; and sister, Cheryl (Eugene) Moore (Anchorage, AK); sister-in-law Virginia Becker (Eau Claire) and brother-in-law Rod Becker (Ladysmith), along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Marjorie; brothers, Donald and James; and sister-in-law’s, Betty, Darlene, and Molly, Bev, and brother-in-law’s Bill and Jim.

The family is incredibly grateful to Ascension Ministry Hospice and North Crest Assisted Living for all the gentle care and guidance over the last month.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Kenny’s name will be made at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.bostonfuneralhome.net.