Kenneth A. Wuerker

Kenneth A. Wuerker, age 86, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home, Union Grove. Kenneth was born in Racine, January 16, 1931, son of the late Albert and Margaret (Nee: Schimming) Wuerker.

Ken graduated from Racine Lutheran High School “Class of 1949”. He went on to proudly serve in the U.S. Navy from 1951-1955 aboard the U.S.S. CALIENTE and was stationed at PEARL HARBOR during the Korean War. He enjoyed 2 ½ years in Hawaii. On June 22, 1956 he was united in marriage to Nancy A. Henning.

Ken had been employed in sales and service at Chas O. Lassen & Son, Ruenzels Office Machine, Cash Register Exchange, and Thermo Fax Corp. He enjoyed making grave sprays in Milaeger’s basement, and also worked at Cavans Mink Ranch. In addition he was employed at Racine Hydraulics, Case Company, Porters Warehouse, and Gleason Corp. Barnes & Smith. He spent over 40 years in the theater business starting as a part time projectionist at the Park I & II (Capital Theater), The Venetian, The Rialto and full time as projectionist/manager at the Capital and finally retiring in 1997 as manager at the Westgate Cinema. Ken will be remembered fondly by his theater employees for his candid sense of humor and his fun-loving spirit. As a child with a great head of hair, Ken was selected to model for the Andis Clipper sales catalog. Ken volunteered as a leader in the Lutheran Boy Pioneers for many years, teaching scouting skills and helping to build a lodge at Camp Oak Ridge in Palmyra, WI where many young boys will remember their camping experiences. He also regularly supplied the Sunday Night Youth Bible Class with pop corn. Ken enjoyed playing host at his Centennial Main Street home on the 4th of July watching the Kilties and his sons march by in the Kiltie Kadets. He liked coffee, cigars, fishing, the Packers and critters of all kinds, especially his Shelties, parakeet, and Chihuahua. He will be dearly missed.

Ken is survived by Nancy; their sons, James Wuerker, John (Linda) Wuerker; sister-in-law Susan (Louis) Heiberg of California; grandchildren, Angela Wuerker, Amanda Wuerker (Joseph Sr.), Charles, Gregg, Jacob, Tina (Jacob), and Aryiss; great-grandchildren, Isaac, Anthony, Joseph, Jordan, Jaydon, Janna, Brady, Xander, Xanden, and Dominic; cousins, associates, and many dear friends in Christ.

A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home, Thursday, June 22, 2017, 5:30 P.M. with Reverend Cashius Myers officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Thursday at the funeral home from 3:30 P.M. until time of service at 5:30 P.M. Memorials may be given to Living Hope Lutheran Church (formerly Peace Lutheran Church).

A very special thank you to Megan, Renate, Lisa, Sue, Marques, Roger, Jenny, Emma, Tim Sara, Ashley, Tanesha, Brenda, Steven, Erica, Latoya ,Stephanie, Katrina, Carolyn, Joyce, and the doctors at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home for their loving and compassionate care.