Kenneth D. Alexander

Kenneth David Alexander, 71, of Waunakee, WI, passed away on April 6, 2025. Born on October 11, 1953, in Boston, MA, he was a loving father to Myriam Ralston and a friendly soul to everyone he met.

He went by many names Dad, PopPop, Ken, Kenny, Mr. Ken but he instantly shared the same chatty spirit with everyone he met, making strangers feel like kin. Ken lived many lives, each devoted to learning, teaching, and helping others however he could. He served in the PeaceCorps in Jamaica and VISTA in his early years. He later returned to AmeriCorps as a Foster Grandparent, volunteering at Hawthorne Elementary for over a decade as a teacher's helper and tutor. He also volunteered with refugee organizations and ESL programs because, in classic Mr. Ken fashion, he just wanted everyone to feel at home. He devoted countless hours to creating a beautiful community garden at Hawthorne, which became a proud passion project. Ken was also a devoted gym-goer and outdoor enthusiast. When not working in the garden, you could find him blacksmithing, wandering a botanical garden or forest, or exploring a local state park. He also loved visiting his daughter and his two adoring grandchildren in Baltimore. Whatever he did and wherever he went, he left pieces of his heart and kindness behind.

He is survived by his daughter Myriam Ralston (John Ralston), grandsons Jack Nicholas and Roland Alexander Ralston, sister Amy Leonard (Dan Leonard), niblings Ashley and Ryan Leonard, co-parent and close friend Emily Kearns, as well as many, many friends and students who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the garden at HAWTHORNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, 3344 Concord Ave., Madison. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Open Doors for Refugees, a cause close to Dad's heart.

Dad/Mr. Ken/PopPop, you are loved.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.