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.
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