Dodgeville – Kenneth J. Rochon, age 71, of Dodgeville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2026 at Upland Hills Nursing & Rehab Center.

He was born on August 13, 1955 in Dodgeville, a son of Andre and Magdalen (Miess) Rochon. He was raised on the family farm on Miess Road in Dodgeville. He attended school in Dodgeville and graduated with the class of 1973. He welcomed his daughter Andrea, into the world in 1977 with his first wife, Susan Anderson. In 1981, he met the love of his life Toni Schmit. They built a beautiful life together, moving into Dodgeville and having their son, Cory, in 1984 and their daughter, Katie, in 1989. They were married for 33 years until Toni’s death in 2023, but Ken’s love for Toni did not fade.

Ken had many jobs and never shied away from accepting work if he was available; he taught his children that a good work ethic was very important and built character. He was a man of many trades and skills and was always willing to lend a helping hand where needed. He enjoyed spending time with family on the farm and being outdoors hiking, hunting and fishing with family and friends. He loved spending time with his wife Toni on the patio and going downtown with her. He could be seen all over town walking his beloved black labs and was extremely thankful for “Kayda” keeping him going after Tonie passed away. He was someone who could strike up a conversation with anybody and was never afraid to speak his mind, even if he knew it could ruffle some feathers. He was extremely proud to be a grandpa and bragged about his grandkids whenever he could, and saw them as much as possible.

Family meant everything to Ken and he was there for us all whenever needed and always made a point to show up and be present. He was a generous man who cared about many and wanted to help however he could. Ken loved to laugh and joke around and that was one of his characteristics that will be missed the most. He left lasting impressions on all walks of life and will be deeply missed by many.

Ken is survived by his daughters Andrea (Damian) Cox and Katie (Brian) Smith; his grandchildren Alexis Cox, Cory Smith and Peyton Smith; his sisters Pat Johnson, Laura Macias and Yvonne Yager; his brothers Mark Rochon and Leonard Rochon; his brothers-in-law Gary Schmit and Terry “Rufus” Schmit; his sister-in-law Mary (Fred) Triggs; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Toni (Schmit) Rochon, his son Cory Rochon, his parents Andre Rochon and Magdalen (Miess) Rochon, his mother-in-law Betty (Vivian) Schmit and father-in-law Raymond “Dutch” Schmit, his brothers Dave Rochon and Paul Rochon, his brothers-in-law Bobby Jones, John Schmit and John Yager, his nephew Adrian.

A Celebration of Ken’s Life will be held at a later date.