Kenneth D. Shalda, 88, of Cedarburg, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Ken was born to Lewis and Sarah (Wheeler) Shalda in Michigan's "Cherry Capital", Traverse City on December 2, 1936. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Diane Perlongo on May 21, 1966, in Gaastra, MI and together, they had two beautiful daughters.

Ken grew up on a farm in Maple City, MI on highway M-22. His family had no electricity or plumbing until he was in his teens. His life was simple, but he made it memorable and enjoyed sharing countless stories of "life on the farm". He was a member of his high school baseball and basketball teams, a Polio survivor and one of only two people to graduate high school in his class, proudly as the class valedictorian.

He knew he wanted a higher education and started taking classes at a community college in Traverse City. During the summer months he worked with his uncle for Arnold Transportation, taking tourists back and forth to Mackinac Island. He eventually went on to attend college at Michigan Technological University where he graduated with honors with a degree in Forestry.

Ken was a member of Cedarburg Green and the Eastern Region Forest Service Retirees.

Ken's memory will be cherished by his devoted wife Diane, loving daughters Kristen Shalda and Kelli Geronime; adored grandchildren Morgan, Alex and Anna Geronime. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Louise Shalda; brother Dale Shalda and parents-in-law Louis and Ann (Raspor) Perlongo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1619 Washington St., Grafton, WI 53024. The family will receive visitors at the church from 11:30am-12:45pm. Ken will be laid to rest at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Cemetery, Mequon, WI

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Michigan Technological University, Arbor Day Organization and Saint Joseph's in Grafton.

Special thank you to Aurora Grafton, Horizon Hospice and Lasata Care Center for their compassion and care of Ken during his final days.