Kenneth J Harbecke, 79, passed away peacefully at his home with family at his side on November 18, 2023. He battled stage 4 Cancer for 5 years after having been told he had a couple months at best. He was stubborn and a fighter and said, ” watch me.” Ken was born on July 22, 1944 to the late Joseph and Eleanor (LeFebver) Harbecke in Chicago, IL. He attended schools in Chicago, after which he served in the United States Navy. Ken worked for his father’s paint company, as a meat cutter, in the steel mills, and finally as a lift truck mechanic. He moved to Salem in 1994. Ken was a loving father and a devoted friend. He had a witty sense of humor and loved nothing more than making us laugh. Always cracking jokes! Ken loved shopping and gifting things to those he cared about, especially the kids. He also loved cooking, road trips, and was an extreme Packer Fan. Ken is survived by his son John (Sequoya) Harbecke, his loving girlfriend of 28 years Darci Sacco, bonus daughters Kelly (Paul) Cain, Stefani (David) Canedo, and his very special grandchildren Madelyn, Makenna, and Aiden Cain. Also survived by siblings Robert (Sugar) Harbecke, Diana (Tom) Musso, and Edward Harbecke. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Tom Harbecke, and his sister-in-law Diane Harbecke. Per Kens wishes, there will be no services. His ashes will be buried at the Holy Name Cemetery with immediate family. We would like to thank Dr. Joel Carroll, Dr. David Knight and Dr Anna Silenzi at Froedtert South. Also, to the wonderful nurses and staff at the Cancer Center for their wonderful care over the years. As one of the Cancer nurses said ” After 5 years, Ken ran the Cancer Center now.” If you knew Ken, I have no doubt. Thank you to Pleasant Prairie Hospice Alliance for making him as comfortable as possible while he was at home. And many thanks to Strouf Funeral Home in Racine for the final arrangements.
Kenneth J. Harbecke
