Kenneth James `Ken` Cummings

Kenneth James "Ken" Cummings, age 95, of Baraboo, died peacefully at home on Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Ken was born June 27, 1931, in Baraboo, the fourth of six sons of Raymond and Marcella (Sullivan) Cummings. He attended Baraboo High School, then studied agriculture at UW–Madison, coming home on weekends to help on the family farm until he was needed there full time.

Ken served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a Radarman First Class, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal (Europe) before his honorable discharge.

On May 1, 1965, he married DuVonne Diske, and together they raised four children. Ken farmed in the Town of Fairfield until 1989, then worked at Perry Printing in Baraboo until he retired.

Ken was a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed bowling and playing cards.

A strong, proud man who was always there for anyone in need, Ken gradually lost his eyesight and in his last years lost it completely, but he never lost his sense of humor. Once he could no longer leave the house, he liked to say he wasn't going to his friends' funerals anymore, since they wouldn't be coming to his.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, DuVonne; his son, Jeffrey (Doris); his daughters, Kelly (Eric) Wilson and Angela (Mike Maiz) Cummings; eight grandchildren, Brittany, Cody, Jessica, Josey Cummings; Jack, Tyler and Alex Wilson; Izabella Jensen; as well as his sisters-in-law, JoAnne and Rosie. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin; his parents; and all five of his brothers, Jack (Lorraine), Tom (Lorraine), Bill (Sally and Pat), Gerry and Riley.

The family is deeply grateful to everyone who kept Ken company and cared for him as he became less able to be as strong and independent as he had been all his life. Heartfelt thanks to his granddaughter Izabella, who lived with Ken and DuVonne and was a true blessing in his final months, and to his nephew Tim Cummings, Tim's wife Nancy and great-nephew Matt, who were especially dear to him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Piotr Janas officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. unitl the time of mass at church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be conduceted by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo.