Kenneth Wedell

Kenneth Eugene Wedell, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather died peacefully on March 10, 2010 at home surrounded by family. He was 89 years old. Ken was born April 23, 1920, the seventh child of Carl August Widell and Ida Marie (nee Sjoberg) Widell in Escanaba, Michigan. For some reason, the family name was changed during this time to Wedell. While in high school, Ken met the love of his life, Irene Kallio. Their first date was on an ice skating rink in Escanaba where Ken gallantly laced Irene’s skates for her, then carried her ice skates home for her. Ken graduated from Escanaba High School in 1938, lettering in Track and Football. While working in a foundry as a pattern maker in San Jose, California, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. While in the Navy, Ken served most of his apprenticeship in pattern making before becoming a journeyman. He was honorably discharged following the War with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. On January 19, 1946, Ken and Irene married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba, Michigan. As the family grew, Ken attended Stout State University (now University of Wisconsin-Stout) on the GI Bill, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Industrial Education and started a lifelong career in vocational education. Ken transitioned from the classroom to vocational administration, earning a Master’s Degree in Industrial Education from the University of Minnesota while teaching full time at St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1971, Ken took the position of Apprentice Coordinator at Moraine Park Technical Institute in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, a position he held until his retirement in 1986. After retirement, with the growth of the classic car restoration industry, Ken returned to his wood pattern making roots, which kept him busy for many years. As a Christian, Ken gave of his time to the church. He built the cabinets for the pastor’s study at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. He attended church faithfully, led family devotions daily and served in many church leadership roles throughout his years. Ken loved the Lord Jesus Christ and we live with the sure knowledge he has now gone at last to his Heavenly home. As a father, Ken taught his children many things, including a love for the outdoors and the importance of education. He took his family on many camping trips, taught them how to fish and patiently repaired whatever project needed fixing. As a grandfather, he delighted in his grandchildren and their children and was keenly interested in all of their lives. Ken loved his wife and family deeply and always sought the best for them. He was a quiet man who loved to practice his craft in his workshop and spend time with his family. It was a joy listening to Ken whistle, which he would often do while working in his workshop. Ken is survived by Irene Ida Wedell, his devoted wife of 64 years; son Gerald Wedell of Moose Lake, MN; daughters Jacelyn Wedell (Ed Monnig) of Reno, NV; Susan Williams (Charles) of Bolingbrook, IL; Beverly Bandstra (John) of Delta, British Columbia; Ann Secrest (Les) of Anchorage, AK; Joan Wedell of Fond du Lac, WI; and Karin Wedell of Fond du Lac, WI. Grandchildren David Monnig (Erika Miller); Nate Monnig; Meagan Williams; Mackenzie Williams; John Bandstra (Jessica); Aaron Bandstra (Jessica); Irene Zainali (Kevan); Colin Bandstra (Nicole); Chris Secrest (Crystal); and Emily Secrest. Great-grandchildren Noah Bandstra, Katherine Bandstra, John Bandstra, Isla Bandstra, and Anne Secrest.Ken is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, his brothers Carl Wedell, Leonard Wedell, Elmer Wedell and sisters Ina Prigmore Wentworth, Betty Wentworth and Edith Harring preceded him in death. The family would like to acknowledge Joan Wedell for the care she provided, including all the wonderful meals she cooked for the family and would especially like to acknowledge Karin Wedell for the dedication and loving care she gave as her father’s full time caregiver during his final years. The family would also like to express their appreciation to the nursing staff of St. Agnes Hospital Hospice Hope for their care and compassion. The funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church, 1225 Fourth Street in Fond du Lac. Sister Anne Jude and Mary Ketterhagen, chaplains with St. Agnes Hospital Hospice Hope will officiate. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba in April. The visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Mach Funeral Chapel, 31 E. Division St., Fond du Lac and on Wednesday at Church from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ken’s name. The family suggests donations be sent to the Kenneth E. Wedell Memorial Fund, Fond du Lac Credit Union, 91 N. Pioneer Road, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.

Kenneth Wedell

April 23, 1920 - March 17, 2010