Kenneth L. Willkomm
Thursday, July 5, 1945
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Age:
72 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday October 22, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Monday October 23, 2017
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Monday October 23, 2017
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Thursday, July 5, 1945
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Age:
72 years old
Thursday, July 5, 1945
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Age:
72 years old
Kenneth L. Willkomm
On October 19, 2017, Kenneth Lee Willkomm lost a courageous 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease which also caused Lewy Body Dementia.
Ken was born July 5, 1945 in West Bend, WI to Leander and Bernice Willkomm. He graduated from Wisconsin State University Oshkosh in 1967 with a double major in math and chemistry. There he met Dorothy (Dotty) O’Hern, and they were married on June 27, 1970. As a programmer for IBM for 30 years in the Systems Analysis Area, he worked on the System 3, 32, 34, 36, and AS400 computers, and part of his work involved travel to Common Conferences in the US and overseas. He also worked nine years as a programmer for Analysts International Corporation.
He was an avid sports fan, especially of his beloved Green Bay Packers, and attended an “Ice Bowl” game with his father in the 60’s. Other favorite pastimes were enjoying music from the 1960’s, playing cards, woodworking, golf, volleyball, softball, and spending time with his family. He was a coordinator and coach for youth soccer, and coached Rochester youth traveling baseball. As a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, he helped support their Haiti Mission and volunteered as a Salvation Army bellringer for many years. Traveling to national parks was of special interest to him.
He is survived by his wife, Dotty; two sons, Greg (Erika) of Bloomington, MN and Kurt (Abby) of Rochester; and grandchildren, Lily, Sadie, Jared, Ritter, and Ellie Willkomm. He is also survived by two sisters, Janyce Weaver of McFarland, WI, Lori Montaine (Dan) of Grafton, WI; two brothers, Robert (Gayle) of New Berlin, WI, and Alan of Rockford, IL; and six nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a nephew, David Weaver.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Joseph Matsumoto and Dr. Thomas Poterucha and the Mayo Palliative Care and Hospice Programs, along with the many kind friends and caregivers who have been so helpful.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Father Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22nd in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Ken has donated his body to Mayo Medical School. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Salvation Army’s Caring Partners Program or St. Pius X Catholic Church Renovation Fund.
Macken Funeral is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Kenneth L. Willkomm has received the following condolences.
Ken will be deeply missed. He was a brilliant man who always had a witty comment! He helped teach me to play Cribbage and I think of him often. Dotty, thank you for being such a wonderful caregiver. May God Bless you during this very difficult time.
Please accept my very sincere condolences. Even when you know they're in a better place, it's so hard to say goodbye. May God and His angels give you strength and comfort. You are in my prayers.
Nancy Silvernail
Dotty and family:
My sincere sympathy on Ken's death...such a long struggle and he is now at peace.
It was my honor to work with you on health care coverage issues prior to my retirement.
John Whelan
Prime Time Health Advisors
Only good memories to remember Ken by. Especially our outings on playing golf and playing bridge at each our houses. Anne commented on driving the golf cart at Eastwood and taking too sharp of a turn whereby Ken fell off the cart. He stood up with a smile and was happy to see our beer cooler was still ok. Good memories to live by. Our prayers are with you.
Rune and family
Ken was a really great person to work with and know. He always had such an inner spirit about him that made working with him a joy. While I haven't seem him for years, I just wanted to let his family know that he is remembered fondly.
I want to offer my condolences to Kenneth's family. Pray to God for comfort during this time of sorrow. He wants you to rely on him for it.
Many people have found comfort from the promise made in Revelation 21:3,4 where it states that sickness and death will be destroyed in God's
own due time. I hope this wonderful promise is a source of hope and comfort for you. Also, your fond and loving memories of Kenneth
can provide comfort for you.
Dotty and family,
We are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of Ken. We think all of you have suffered so much along with him as he has dealt with this long, awful disease. May he rest in peace and may all of you cherish memories of good times.
We knew "this" was coming but still very hard to say goodbye. Take care of yourselves in the coming months.
Hugs to the whole family.
Ken was a great guy. We worked together for many years and it’s sad to see that he’s gone. My condolences to his family and friends.
Kurt and Abby,
So sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Joe and Jen Balsanek
Dear Greg. Erika, Ritter, Ellie, Dotty and Willkomm Family,
I remember Ken as being a very intelligent person. Our family would visit Ken and Dotty for Easter dinner,
and then I had an opportunity to have a personal conversation with Ken. He explained for me some the
work he did with connecting multiple computers, and he would measure the speed they would run.
Eventually, this led to super computers. Then, he showed me articles he had written for publication.
We went downstairs and he gave me copies of the magazines with his articles.
We also had fun playing poker for fun. We will miss him, and so will our
son-in-law, Greg, and his grandson, Ritter, and our daughter, Erika.
Dear Kurt and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do to help you through this very hard time, please do not hesitate to ask. May God bless you all!
Bob and Barb Thomas
Kurt, we just heard the news about the loss of your dad and are grieving with you. Lots of prayers for you and your family. Amy
Kurt, Abby, and family,
I am so sad to see the news of your Dad's passing. Sending prayers that you find comfort in memories of healthy days gone by. May he rest in peace. Sorry for your loss. ~ Christie