Kenneth Vernon Bell, age 71, of Eau Claire, WI, passed away on February 24, 2023 after a long battle with male breast cancer. Ken was born on February 3, 1952 to Vernon and Ellen (Landsem) Bell in Chippewa Falls, WI. He graduated from Cadott Community High School, District One Technical College and studied business management at Marion University.

Ken served and was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. He was a member of the electrical installation squadron. During his service, he was stationed in Germany, Vietnam, and the Seychelles Islands. He also worked at NASA Space Center while stationed in Florida. Ken was employed in the railroad industry for 30 years as a design engineer in the signal and communication departments.

In 1990, Ken married Jeanette Evelyn Dunn who had six adult children. She passed away from cancer in 2014.

In 2015, Ken married Judy (Bauer) Proett. Together they enjoyed winters in Florida and Texas. Additional travel destinations were Antiqua, Cozumel, and the Dominican Republic.

Ken had many interests and hobbies. Music was his passion and playing guitar, drums, and trumpet in a band for many years gave him great satisfaction. His favorite activity was dancing with his wife, Judy. Ken was very creative and completed many electrical and building projects. Bass tournament fishing competitions, hunting, and golfing always made him happy. He was also a member of the Eau Claire Elks Lodge 402.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Judy Proett Bell, sisters, Yvonne Kiesow and Dee Vanzanbergen (Frank). He is also survived by many step children, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Kenneth is proceeded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ellen Bell and a sister, Kristeen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Stokes, Prock, and Mundt Funeral Chapel in Altoona, WI at 11am on Friday March 17, 2023. Visitation will be held from 10am until time of service.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of Eau Claire Marshfield Clinic Cancer Center and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospice for all their excellent care and compassion.