Kenneth Lee Laufenberg, age 75, of Columbus, WI, went home on Friday, November 3, 2023.  Ken was born in Prairie du Chien on November 12, 1947, to Lee and Rosemary (Valentine) Laufenberg. He grew up in Grant County and graduated from Bloomington High School in 1966.  Ken was married to Phyllis Lins on October 28, 1972, in Columbus.

Ken "Big Bear" started his trucking career while still in high school, delivering corn and seed oats for Kussmaul Hybrids. Upon moving to Columbus in 1969, he hauled livestock and grain for Duffy Brothers until 1972, followed by a brief stint hauling sand for Stafford Trucking out of Portage.  After an 11-year interlude of factory work at AmeriPak, he went back to long-haul driving for Duffy Brothers from 1984 until 1991.  He then spent six years driving over-the-road for Decker Trucking out of Fort Dodge, Iowa. In 1997, Ken shifted to day-haul driving for Sun Prairie Sand & Gravel / Steve's Wholesale until 2011.  In retirement, he continued to work part-time weighing trucks at Linck Aggregates' gravel pits, first in Beaver Dam and then in Columbus, until health issues forced him to fully retire in May, 2023.

Ken is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughter, Laura (Mike) Novey; sons, David (Beth) Laufenberg and Brian (Kristi Orchard) Laufenberg; 8 grandchildren; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at River Valley Alliance Church, 610 Welsh Road, Watertown, on Saturday, November 11 at 2:00 pm.  Family and friends may visit from 1:00 until time of service. Jensen Funeral & Cremation is serving the family.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Ken's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com