Kenneth Frank Wilson Jr.

Kenneth Frank Wilson, Jr. believed in living at “full throttle”, but taking time to help others along the way.   He was dedicated to his wife, Nancy (Groh) Wilson.  His primary goal was always to make Nancy smile, actually, laugh, which he did constantly.

On August 20, 2024, at the age of 71, after fighting his best, it was time for Ken to find peace.  As always, Nancy was with him.

Ken (a.k.a. Willie) was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin on May 22, 1953.  As a result, he was a lifelong Packers’ fan.   Ken’s family relocated to Fond du Lac where he attended Goodrich High School.   Ken joined the U.S. Army, serving his country for eight years and reaching the rank of Spc. 5 (Sergeant) - Dental Tech Specialist.

After being discharged, Ken began working for Giddings & Lewis Manufacturing Co.  Next, he worked in maintenance for the City of Fond du Lac Housing Authority.  This was where his craftsmanship and talent in home renovation started to shine.  Ken had a true vision of what a rundown building could become.  He even helped friends with their own home projects on the side.  Eventually, Ken took the leap to work for himself and develop his own home renovation business, sometimes juggling multiple homes at once.  Of course, projects for other people always came first.  He continued to hone his woodworking skills for decades, to the amazement of family and friends.

Of course, anyone who experienced Ken’s sense of humor knows he was never all work and no play.  In his 30’s, he decided to embrace his lifetime love of music and work as a D.J. in his off hours.  (Ken was sure to be seen dancing behind the records he was spinning!)  Ken also became quite the racquetball player, winning numerous medals in both national and state competitions, including eight in the Wisconsin Senior Olympics.  He loved that game!

In 1992, Ken met Nancy, who was the love of his life, when she came to his house to install cable TV.  They married 4 1/2 years later.  Together, they worked hard, again renovating houses, but also traveling as much as possible.  If there was a beach somewhere, they were on it!  Ken & Nancy danced through their entire marriage, going to clubs wherever they could, even if they were “a bit older” than most patrons.  They more than kept up and sometimes put other dancers to shame!  In fact, just recently, Ken decided to return to the D.J. booth just so the two of them could find music to dance to.

The second half of Ken’s life revolved around Nancy, but he also treasured the friends he had for decades.  If you were his friend, it was forever.  Years ago, when cancer entered his life the first time, Ken was determined he “wasn’t going to live for the cancer, he would just live!”  With Nancy by his side, Ken always did just that!

Ken is survived by Nancy, his loving wife of 27 years, and two children from a previous relationship: Joseph Barr and Jennifer (Paul) Barr Nolan.  He is further survived by his five siblings:  Debbie (Steve) Wiertz, Larry Wilson, Jeff Wilson, Dennis (Laurie) Maus, and Denise (Mike St. Mary) Maus;  also by his mother-in-law:  Patricia Groh, along with four sisters-in-law:  Karen Breit, Margie Groh, Janis Zarins, and Sandra (Donald) Bost and three brothers-in-law:  Allen (Christine) Groh, Brian (Linda) Groh, and David (Christina) Groh.  In addition, Ken will be remembered by his many nieces & nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ken was predeceased in death by his parents, Kenneth Frank Wilson, Sr. and Marie Wilson Maus, as well as his stepfather, Dewane Maus.

Memorial Service for Ken will take place on Friday, September 6, 2024 at Twohig Funeral Home (305 Fond du Lac Avenue) at 2 pm. Visitation will take place from 12 pm noon until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society, specifically for Pancreatic Cancer Research, would be appreciated.

Nancy would like to express her love and gratitude to all of the family members and friends who have been so supportive of Ken and herself in recent months, but especially, Janis Zarins, Reverend Jeffrey Blain, Michael Gruell, John Huber, Tim and Jane Kaiser, and Joey Sanabria.  She also greatly appreciates the care Ken received from “Nurse Sandy” and “Social Worker Kristina” from SSM Health at Home Hospice.