Kenneth Raymond Sevilla Gardinier, age 57, of Brookfield was born on August 11, 1969, and born to eternal life on August 14, 2026, passed away surrounded by his family after a long battle with metastatic brain cancer. Beloved son of Josefina; loving brother of Annemarie (James Duchow) and Lourdes (John Olsen). Proud Uncle of Gabriel, Josette, Zelie & John Paul. Beloved nephew of Ramon & Marene Sevilla and Susana Suarez and his cousins Ia, Chuby, April, Monty, Lisa, Tommy and Tina. Best friend John Albers and his goddaughter Sarah Albers. He was preceded in death by his father David Gardinier.
Graduating from MUHS in 1987 he went onto MU finishing with a liberal arts degree. He then obtained a master’s degree in religious studies from Cardinal Stritch. He was director of religious education at Old St. Mary’s for 23 years.
The family is very thankful to Don & Mary White for taking Kenny to Mass & lunch every Sunday. Dr. Chen & her team at Froedtert for their compassionate care. To the staff & friends at Riverview Assisted Living; Joani at Aria and everyone at Horizon Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon for all their loving care until the end of Kenny’s life; especially to Becky, Laura, Gina, Shannon, Ema, Nicki, Janice, Cacia & Nyla.
We will remember Kenny as a true gentle spirit who touched so many people; for his humor, kindness and his strong faith in God.
Visitation will be held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1757 N. Calhoun Road, Brookfield, WI on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A prayer service will take place at 7:30 pm.
Visitation will continue on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the church from 10:00-10:45 am, with the eulogy being read at 10:45. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 am.
To watch the service via live stream, click link below.
Sending Kenny and the Sevilla Gardiniers love and deepest sympathies. May God grant Kenny eternal peace and light.
Praying for all you.
My condolences for the passing of a sweet soul. I remember seeing Kenny’s school pictures every school year when I would visit my grandmother (his Grand Aunt). My prayers for your family as you honor his life well lived.
Kenny was a much-loved family friend. Our children grew up attending his faith formation classes at OSM, where they developed their strong Catholic identities.
His kindness and gentle nature will be greatly missed.
Kenny and the Gardiniers were great friends and neighbors when we lived in Brookfield, decades ago. Kenny was a light as a boy and our son kept in touch with him over the years. May he rest in eternal peace. Our sympathies to all the Gardiniers. May the love of God support them through this difficult time, as He welcomes Kenny into eternal life.
Bill, DiAnn, Kelly, and Kevin Ford
Dear Josefina and Family of Kenny. My deepest sympathies to you on hearing of the death of Kenny this week. I knew him when I worked in the Family of Four Parishes and assisted at Old St. Mary’s Parish. Kenny was a smart guy who served the families of Old St. Mary’s in the Religious Ed program. A kind,generous guy with a good sense of humor. May the Lord Jesus welcome Kenny into His loving arms. I will remember Kenny in my Masses and prayers.
I was a parishioner at Old St.Mary’s and Kenny would announce a request for CCD teachers after one of the Sunday masses. He was ok with me as a substitute teacher. I then went for my clearance as a religious education teacher and Kenny provided me with handbooks and assigned me to third and fourth graders. Our class sizes were small, the most I had were six students. I was impressed by the interest the kids had in learning more about God and human relationships. I was particularly impressed by one student talking about the conflict in Taiwan and how people should treat each other. For my part I gave each of them souvenir rosary beads blessed by the holy Pope John Paul II and advised them to pray the rosary daily.
I thank Kenny for contributing to my own spiritual journey, from a girl getting catechesis from Dominican nuns in a rural community in Northern Iloilo in the Philippines to a catechist in the solid faith-filled parish of Old St. Mary’s. From this experience my life has become even more grounded in our Catholic faith
after a rough start due to World War II.
love to his family – wathing online