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William C. Kluender “Sonny”
Mr. William C. “Sonny” Kluender, age 83 years of 55 East Shore Drive, Random Lake died in the early morning hours of Sunday May 4, 2003 at his residence. He was born in Milwaukeeon March 2, 1920, son of the Late William and Sophie Peterson Kluender. On September 12, 1953 he married
Virginia Gilch at the Rectory at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. The couple had met during summers spent at Random Lake where both of their parents had cottages. Sonny worked as a laborer for Chrysler Automotive in Milwaukee for over 30 years, retiring in 1981. He was a member of Ozaukee County Fish & Game, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and working in his yard and garden. He is survived by his son Jeff (Kathy) Kluender of Random Lake, 1 granddaughter Melissa Amy, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Virginia, 1 brother Edward Kluender and 1 sister Loretta Radman. Funeral services will be held by Father Richard Cerpich on Thursday May 8, 2003 at 1 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home 1600 W. Grand Avenue Port Washington. Entombment will take place at Resurrection Mausoleum in Mequon. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the VNA Sheboygan Hospice or Our Lady of the Lakes Parish or School Endowment Fund.
Lucille "Lucy" Asmussen
Lucille “Lucy” Asmussen, age 62 years of 1604 N. Holden St., Port Washington died Sunday, June 8, 2003 at her residence after battling cancer. She was born April 20, 1941 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Elmer and Alice Schnell Frenz. On October 12, 1963 she married
Detlef “Pete” Asmussen at Sherman Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Mrs. Asmussen worked as the custodian at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Port Washington until her illness forced her to retire. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the altar guild at St. John’s, was a former member of the Country Prominaders Square Dancers and enjoyed being a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, 1 daughter Pam (Michael) Enstrom of Grafton and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday evening, June 11, 7 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 403 W. Foster St., Port Washington with Rev. John Klieve officiating. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Gardens, Milwaukee. Visitation at the CHURCH Wednesday from 4-7 pm. Memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Church Building Fund appreciated.
Gertrude "Trudy" Duman
Gertrude "Trudy" Duman, age 67 years, of Hwy O in Saukville, passed away at Heritage Nursing Home on Mothers Day, Sunday, May 11, 2003. She was born in Door County on July 31, 1935, daughter of Art and Amelia Clark Kohls. Trudy was joined in marriage to Ray Duman on June 6, 1981 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Port Washington. Trudy enjoyed knitting, crocheting, working in her flower garden and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband Ray, her mother Amelia Payne of Random Lake, children Debbie (Frank) Schneider of Port Washington, Donald (Kathy) Zukaitis of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Yvonne (John) Klein of Adell and Jeffrey Zukaitis of Milwaukee, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter, 2 brothers Harry (Evelyn) Kohls of Sturgeon Bay and Donald (Donna) Kohls of Cleveland, OH, and 1 sister Bernice (Edward) Henning of Sheboygan Falls. She was preceded in death by 1 daughter Jacqueline. A memorial fund has been established in her name for family sharing.
Margaret A. Ward “Peggy”
Ms. Margaret A. “Peggy” Ward age 62 of Saukville, WI, formerly of Ogden, UT, passed away Friday May 9, 2003 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Montana on August 26, 1940, daughter of the late Ray and Elenor Flaharty Ward. She moved tot the Ogden area in 1967. She was employed at Cutter Labs and Levelor Blind Company for many years. In 1999 Peggy relocated with her family to Saukville, WI. She worked in Quality Control for Guy & O’Neal Manufacturing in Fredonia and part-time in the Deli at the Saukville Piggly Wiggly.
Peggy was a very giving and loving person, who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Nikole, Justin and Tyler. Her other passions in life included reading and ice skating. She often remembered those in need, making contributions to local rescue efforts.
Ms. Ward is survived by her 2 sons Eugene F. Ward of Utah and Richard (Julia) Ward of Saukville, WI, three grandchildren Nikole Bell of Roy, UT, and Justin and Tyler Ward of Saukville, WI. She is also survived by her 2 sisters Mary Lockuer Dillon, MT and Joanne Weaver of Oshkosh, NE, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. Private family services will be held on Wednesday May 14, 2003 in Saukville, WI.
Clara Watry
Mrs. Clara Watry of Samaritan Health Center, West Bend, formerly of Belgium, passed away Sunday May 25, 2003 at the age of 98 years. She was born in September 18, 1904 in Belgium, daughter of the late Michael and Catherine Lecher Anzia. On July 2, 1935 she married
Emil Watry in Lake Church. He preceded her in death in 1976. Mrs. Watry was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Lake Church, and was formerly active in the Christian Mothers. She is survived by her two sons James (Sue) Watry of West Bend and John (Kathy) Watry of Mukwonago. She is further survived by 2 grandchildren, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband and 10 brothers and sisters.
Donald G. Lohuis
Mr. Don Lohuis, of Pheasant Lane in Fredonia, passed away Friday afternoon, May 28, 2004, at the Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee. He was 80 years old. Don was born on April 14, 1924 in Oostburg, son of Elmer and Lizzie Ter Maat Lohuis. He entered the US Army in 1943, serving in France during World War II. He was united in marriage with Shirley Cooper on August 17, 1946 in Franklin, IN. The couple lived in Grafton for awhile before moving to Belgium and finally settling in Fredonia. Mr. Lohuis worked as a service manager for Koehring Corp., presently Omniquip, in Port Washington until his retirement in 1986. Don was very involved with the area military groups. After his retirement, Don drove many of the area veterans to Milwaukee for care at the Zablocki VA Medical Center until he was no longer able. He was a member of the VFW Post 5373 in Port Washington, American Legion Post 412 in Belgium, the Disabled American Veterans Post 58 in West Bend, and the Military Order of Cooties. He enjoyed gardening, photographing his grandkids and was an accomplished traveler. Mr. Lohuis is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Fredonia, their children, Michael (Sharon) of Medina, OH and Teresa “Terri” (Robert) Kuckuck of Fredericksburg, VA, 5 grandchildren: Matthew, Megan, Daniel, Elena and David, 2 brothers: Norbert (Esther) Lohuis of Adell and Earl (Janice) Lohuis of Sheboygan, 1 sister, Regina “Ginny” (Merlin) Rusch of Sheboygan, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 1, 2004 6:30 PM at Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave. in Belgium, the Rev. Paul Van Loon will officiate. Interment will take place in cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Funeral Home Tuesday from 4-6:30 PM. Military walk- throughs will take place at 6PM.
Britt Ashford Reece Wilson
Britt Wilson, of Edmaro St. in Fredonia, passed away Tuesday morning at Columbia-St. Mary’s Ozaukee Campus in Mequon. He was 3 years old. Britt was born on November 24, 2000 in Menomonee Falls, son of Rev. Alan and Regina Laxon Wilson. Britt was a happy child who liked trucks, blocks, Peter Rabbit and ice cream. He loved playing with his 5 older brothers and sister. For a short life, he left a large impact on the people that he loved. Britt spent much of his time at Children’s Hospital in Wauwatosa and was well known to much of the staff there. He is survived by his parents, Rev. Alan and Regina Wilson of Fredonia, his brothers and sisters: Rory, Brennan, Nolyn, Quinton and Alanna, all of Fredonia, his grandparents: Charles & Lowanda Laxon of Morrison, TN and Bertrand & Joyce Wilson of Traverse City, MI, 8 aunts and uncles: Sondra & David Blake of Ft. Meyers, FL, Beth & Glen Townsend of Morrison, TN, Rev. Bert & Sallie Wilson of Palm Bay, FL, and Hope & Larry Slanaker of Traverse City, MI. He is further survived by many cousins, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by 1 aunt, Karen Wilson, and his great-grandparents. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, July 31 at Alliance Bible Church, 13939 N. Cedarburg Rd., Mequon. The family will receive visitors at the church Saturday from 9-11 AM. Memorials in Britt’s name are suggested to Children’s Hospital.
Florence Campbell
Mrs. Florence K. Campbell of West Easy St. in Saukville, formerly of Creston, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Dekora Springs in Saukville on Monday morning, June 7th, 2004. She was 88 years old. Florence was born in Creston, Iowa on February 7, 1916, daughter of Arthur and Erma Dobbs Keefer. She became a teacher in Thayer, Farragut and Riverton, IA, teaching Chemistry, Home Economics and English Literature. On July 28, 1943 she was united in marriage with George Campbell at Platte Center Church in Creston, Iowa. He preceded her in death on April 11, 1991. Mrs. Campbell was a member at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Creston, IA, where her husband was a former Pastor. She was a former officer in Church Women United in Iowa. She was honored by the Governor of Iowa in 1992 in recognition for her volunteer work. She moved to Saukville in 2002 to live with her daughter. She is survived by her son Arthur (Sally) Campbell of Port Washington, her daughter Hope (Allen) Holland- Mullins of Saukville, three grandsons, Todd, Aaron and Eric Holland and 2 great-grandchildren, Tera and Tony Holland. She is preceded in death by her husband, son-in-law David Holland and 1 sister Bernice Kessler. Funeral Services will be held Friday, June 11th at the Eernisse Funeral Home in Port Washington at 6PM. Father Michael Barrett will officiate. Burial will take place at Chapel Grove cemetery in Creston, Iowa. The family will receive visitors at the Eernisse Funeral Home on Friday, June 11th from 4-6PM. Memorials are being suggested to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Creston, Iowa.
Nina Sinnen
Nina M. Sinnen of First St. in Random Lake, died at her home early Monday morning, May 3, 2004, following a courageous 11 ½ years battle against Pancreatic Cancer. Nina was born May 22, 1936 in Random Lake, daughter of Chester and Helga Hammen Stahl. She attended schools in Random Lake, graduating in 1954 from Random Lake High School. On April 27, 1957 she was united in marriage to Jerome A. Sinnen at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Random Lake. They stayed in the community her entire life. Nina worked for F.F. Sepstead as a secretary for a number of years before becoming a bank teller with Random Lake State Bank in 1971. She retired in July of 1992 due to her illness. Mrs. Sinnen was a member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, St. Mary’s Chapel, Random Lake where she participated in the Adult Choir, the Christian Women and as a representative of the Christian Community School of Education group. She was an avid bowler for many years, taking part in the State and National Tournaments. She also enjoyed traveling, fishing, reading, her garden and could be seen on her daily walks around Random Lake. She was very active in her community and was Treasurer of the Random Lake –Adell United Fund. Nina is survived by her husband, Jerome, their daughter Beth (Jim) Wolf of Fond du Lac, 3 brothers: Kenneth (Beatrice) Stahl of Fort Wayne, IN, Russell (Carla) Stahl of Elk Grove Village, IL, Neal (Mary) Stahl of Rogers, MN, 3 sisters: Donna (the late Glenn) Prinsen of Cedar Grove, Karen Wright of Sussex and Valerie (Dennis) Witt of Adell. She is further survived by 4 sisters-in-law: Marcella Schmitz of Port Washington, LaVern Wetor of Random Lake, Geraldine Schowalter of Mesa, AZ, and Alicia (Don) Nowack of Lake Arrowhead, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers-in-law, Norbert and Roland Sinnen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Nina on Thursday, May 6, 2004, 6:30 PM from the Eernisse Funeral Home in Belgium going to Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, St. Mary’s Chapel in Random Lake for Mass at 7PM. Father Richard Cerpich will officiate. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Eernisse Funeral Home (171 N. Royal St., Belgium) Thursday from 2-6:30 PM. A Memorial Fund is being established in Nina name.
Francis A. Rollinger “Fritz”
Mr. Francis A “Fritz” Rollinger, age 85 years, of Belgium and Ocala, FL, passed away in the morning hours of Saturday April 3, 2004 at his residence in Florida. Fritz was born on October 31, 1918 in Hinton, OK, son of the late John and Mary Arendt Rollinger. John moved his family to Wisconsin when Fritz was seven years old, settling on a farm in the Town of Belgium. On June 1, 1946 he married
Grace Depies at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Dacada. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1996 with their complete wedding party and many friends and loved ones. Mr. Rollinger worked as a farmer for over 30 years, and after retiring, he and his wife started spending winters in Florida, where the couple had a residence. In the summers, he worked in the maintenance department at Squires Country Club in Belgium. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church where he ushered, and belonged to the Catholic Knights and Catholic Order of Foresters. In Florida, he belonged to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. He also belonged to the Lions’ Club, Kiwanis, and Moose Lodge. Fritz’s hobbies included golfing, bowling and playing cards, and tending to his backyard orchard where he grew grapefruit, orange and lemon trees. He is survived by his wife Grace, children Gary (Sandy) of Brookfield, Ronald (Jane) of Port Washington, and JoAnn (David) O’Hara of Elgin, IL. He is further survived by seven grandchildren; Lauren, Eric, Courtney, Melissa, Mark, Brian and Michael, 1 brother Joe Rollinger of Milwaukee, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Wilbert and Jack and sister Florence Weyker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 7th, at 7:30 PM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Lake Church, with Father Jim Vojtik officiating. Interment will be in the Parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday April 7th from 4-7 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave. in Belgium.
Rudolph L. Flint
Mr. Rudy Flint, formerly of Hawkeye Drive in West Bend, passed away Thursday evening, February 12, 2004 at Cedar Community in West Bend after a fierce battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. Rudy was born on May 3, 1928 in Pelan, MN, son of Leonard and Elsie Blomquist Flint. He entered the US Army and served in Korea. Later, he was united in marriage with Sarah Stenberg on November 28, 1953 in Warren, MN. She preceded him in death in 1997. Mr. Flint worked as a welder at Trak International, located in Port Washington. He retired in 1993. After his retirement he was a driver for Russ Darrow Chrysler Plymouth in West Bend. Mr. Flint was a member of the Newburg Sportsmans Club, and enjoyed fishing, hunting and trap shooting. He was also a member of the Saukville Moose Club and the VFW Post 5373. He is survived by his daughter, Linda (the late Mike) Krell of West Bend, 3 sons: LeRoy (Renee) Flint of Franklin Park, IL, Lawrence (Darcy) Flint of Martinsburg, WV, and Leon (Leslie Trad) Flint of Port Washington. He is further survived by 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Larry (Lynn) Flint of Newburg, special friend Phyllis Isaacson of Saukville, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah, a son, Duane, a daughter, Shirlyn, a son-in-law, Mike Krell, a sister, Elaine and a brother, Alan. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, February 15, 2004, 7PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., in Port Washington. Pastor Mark Voll will officiate. Interment will take place in Waubeka Union cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Funeral Home Sunday from 5-7PM.
Laura L. Lee
Mrs. Laura Lee, of Surfside Drive in Cedar Grove, passed away after a short illness Thursday morning, February 12, 2004 at Sheboygan Memorial Hospital. She was 100 years old. Laura was born on May 16, 1903, in Big Bend, WI, daughter of Gustov and Lena Schrank Weideman. She was a teacher in many one room school houses before she met and married
Eldred T. Lee in June of 1924 in Crown Point, Indiana. The couple lived for many years in Milwaukee and moved to Cedar Grove in the 1950’s. Mr. Lee preceded his wife in death on October 18, 1968. Mrs. Lee was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Belgium, a former member of the Garden Club and a Lakeshore League member. She authored a children’s book, Bringing Up Freddy, and traveled to schools teaching and explaining the book. Laura spent much time with her grandchildren, and avidly corresponded with them as they grew up and moved out of the area. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Julia (Robert) Olson of Racine and Patricia (Julius) Olsen of Toronto, Canada, 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and close friend Murray Kurland of Palatine, IL . She is further survived by 1 niece, 1 nephew, other relatives and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, 1 brother, Gilbert Weideman and 1 sister, Edna Humphrey. Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 16, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 200 Park St., Belgium, at 12 noon. Rev. Elmer Lisch and Rev. James Eggert will officiate. Interment will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield. The family will receive visitors Monday AT THE CHURCH from 11AM until the time of services. Memorials are suggested to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family.
SUSAN C. GILLSON
Susan Gillson, age 57 of 107 E. Woodruff St., Port Washington passed away at her residence Sunday evening, February 8, 2004 from cancer. She was born May 9, 1946 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late John and Dolores Hilt Kline. On April 20, 1982 she married
Harold “Joe” Gillson at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Saukville. Susan was a member of the Port Washington Yacht Club and St. Peter’s United Church of Christ. She was a former member of the Thiensville-Mequon Optimist Club and a former volunteer and director of development for COPE. Survivors include her husband, three children Staff Sgt. Ronald (Jessie) Borchardt, Thomas (Dawn) Borchardt and Kevin Gillson all of Port Washington, three stepchildren Rick (Avis) Gillson and Ron (Laura) Gillson of Saukville and Renee (Ron) Kesner of Port Washington, eight grandchildren, four brothers John (Chris) Kline of Greenbush, Fred (Vicky) Kline of Milwaukee and William Kline of Sussex, Robert (Lynn) Kline of Cedarburg and one sister Sandra Valenzia of Oostburg. A memorial service for Mrs. Gillson will be held at St. Peter’s United Church of Christ at 3 PM on March 20th. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is assisting the family with arrangements.
THOMAS L. WEIRICH
Tom Weirich, age 62 of 2049E Pine Ridge Court, Grafton, WI died on Thursday, February 5, 2004 at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee after a year long battle with cancer. He was born October 15, 1941 in Baraboo, WI son of the late Lyle and Jewel Schult Weirich. After graduating from Cadott High School in 1959, Tom served in the US Air Force. Tom was a lifelong salesman and worked for Taylor Electric, Curtis Mathes, Color –Tyme and Central File Inc. He also owned and operated Weirich’s T & T Supper Club in Marinette, WI. On October 7, 2000 he married
Elizabeth Hitz at First Congregational Church in Port Washington, WI. Tom was a member of First Congregational Church in Port Washington, the Port Washington Kiwanis Club, Ozaukee Lodge #17 F & AM, Green Bay Moose Lodge and Milwaukee Elks Club. He also served on the Vendor Advisory Board for APRO. Survivors include his wife Elizabeth, six children Susan (Nathan) Haning of Middleton, WI, James Weirich of Marinette, WI, Mary (Dan) Bush of Marinette, WI, Leslie Fisher, Jackie Key and Julie Johanski all of Green Bay, WI, six grandchildren, his sister LeAnne (Neal) Schai of Westlake Village, CA and brother Richard (Jeanette) Weirich of Nampa, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be Sunday, February 8 from 1-3 PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI with services at 3 PM conducted by Ozaukee Lodge #17 F & AM. Following the visitation, a memorial service will be held at 4 PM at First Congregational Church, 131 N. Webster St., Port Washington with Rev. Jeff Suddendorf officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials to First Congregational Church are appreciated.
Andrew William Pederson
Mr. Andy Pederson, recently of Heritage Nursing Home in Port Washington, formerly of Newburg, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2004. He was 82 years old. Andy was born in Eau Claire on January 31, 1922, son of Odin and Ella Kallom Pederson. Mr. Pederson enlisted in the US Army and served his country during World War II, going overseas and serving in the European Theatre. After his return, Andy eventually worked as a mover for the Mayflower Company out of West Bend for more than 20 years. He was a member of the Waubeka VFW post, and enjoyed playing cards, going for walks and watching movies, especially war movies and westerns. He was a very social and outgoing man who was well known throughout the community. He is survived by his longtime companion, Iris Priesgen of Newburg, 1 son, Jesse Priesgen of Port Washington, 4 daughters: Tammy (John) Kirmse of Waubeka, Diane Priesgen of Newburg, Sherry (Richard) Martinez and Penny (Bob) Verbanak. He is further survived by 3 grandchildren, 1 brother, Odin (Lois) Pederson of West Bend, 1 sister, Ellen Atchison of Eau Claire, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by 3 sisters and 1 brother. A brief Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 7, 1PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave. Port Washington. Military Honors will be performed. Burial will be in St. Paul cemetery, Waubeka. The family will receive visitors at the Funeral Home Saturday from 11AM-1PM. Memorials to the family are suggested.
Walter F. Jacoby
Mr. Walter Jacoby, of Hwy LL in the Town of Belgium, passed away unexpectedly at St. Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan on Wednesday, February 4, 2004. He was 82 years old. Wally was born on September 13, 1921 on the family homestead in the Town of Belgium, son of Michael and Celia Freiman Jacoby. On June 1, 1957 he was united in marriage to Loraine Hass at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee. The couple settled in the Town of Belgium and farmed on the family dairy farm until they retired in 1981. They then moved to their hobby farm where they spent their retirement years together. Wally was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lake Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He dedicated his life to working on his farms and enjoyed the company of his family and his dog. He is survived by his wife Loraine, their 4 children: Rosanne (Jack) Schoenemann of Oostburg, Steven (Diane) Jacoby of the Town of Belgium, Susan Samson of the Town of Port Washington and Rita (Joseph) Schwalbach of Mequon. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren, 2 sisters Alice (Arnold) Karrels of Fredonia and Mary Jane Depies of Fredonia, 2 sisters-in-law, Angeline Jacoby of Fond du Lac and Rose Leider of the Town of Belgium, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is also survived by his faithful companion Bip. He is preceded in death by 1 brother, Fred Jacoby, 2 brothers-in-law, Leroy Depies and LeRoy Leider, and 1 grandson, Lucas Schwalbach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 7, 2004 10AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lake Church. Father James Vojtek and Father James Ernster will officiate. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave. (Hwy LL and Park St.), Belgium on Friday, February 6, from 4-7PM, with a parish vigil scheduled for 7PM.
Wilton Kenneth Decker “Ken”
Mr. Wilton Decker, known as “Ken” by his family and friends, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 29, 2004 of natural causes at Cedar Community in West Bend where he had been a resident. Ken was born March 10, 1917 in Polk County, IA. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines, IA in 1936, and then joined the US Navy. He served on the Battleship Arizona, mustered out in 1940, and was the first reservist to report for duty at Great Lakes Naval Base in December 8, 1941. It was at Great Lakes where he met his future wife Ada Dozier who was the Admiral’s secretary. Ken & Ada were married
in 1942 in Waukegan, IL. During WWII he fought in eight major battles on various aircraft carriers with VF6 until he was wounded at Okinawa when a kamikaze aircraft hit the aircraft carrier Hancock. After recovering, Ken started working for State Farm Insurance as an underwriter, worked for CNW Railroad and in 1963 moved to Port Washington. Ken, experimenting with Mr. E.E. Nunn at Northern Signal Company of Saukville invented different electrical components including some that were integrated into NASA Space Vehicles. He was a major contributor to the Federal Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and was Pioneer of the Year in 2003 for the American Traffic Safety Association. Hew is listed in Who’s Who of American Inventors. Ken played piano and his beloved Hammond organ. He sat in as a pianist for many jazz groups in recording studios all across the country for Audiophile Records. Ken traveled to all 50 states and many countries. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 17 in Port Washington, and also enjoyed serving in the Port Washington Police Reserve. Ken loved camping, boating, and hiking. He is survived by his wife, Ada of West Bend, 1 daughter, Joan (Frank) Paterson of Texas, and 2 sons Keith (Jane) Decker of Madison and Wes (Maple) of Port Washington. He is further survived by 1 daughter-in-law, Maureen Decker, 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Russell Decker and 1 son, Stephen W. Decker. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 5th, 2004, 7PM at Eernisse Funeral Home. Funeal Services will be officiated by Ozaukee Lodge 17 F&AM.; Friends may call at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave. Port Washington, Thursday from 5PM until the services at 7PM.
