Kenneth Frank Wickland

Kenneth Frank Wickland, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. He was 91.

He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Lillian (Gilbertson), brothers Ed and Eugene and precious daughter Sally Jo.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol; children Kathleen (Michael) Plier, Susan (Chris) Allen, Edward (Susan) Wickland, Beth (Curt) Schultz and Mary (Bobby) Yun; grandchildren Taylor (Meagan), Paige, Sean, Kevin, Alexandria, Colton, Sydney, Logan (Melissa), Kylie, Leah, McKenna, Christian, Miles and Joshua; and great-grandchildren Flora and Hudson.

Ken was born on Jan. 17, 1932, in Chicago, Ill., to Albert and Lillian Wickland.

He graduated from Union Grove High School, then completed a short-course in agriculture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

His passion for farming was cut short when he enlisted in the Army, serving as a mechanic in the Korean War.

When he returned home, he worked as a farmhand for the Runkel family in Burlington, Wis.

He met his wife Carol (Schieck) at the Muskego Beach Club dance hall. They married on May 29, 1960.

Ken received his degree in education from UW-Whitewater and later his master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee.

He began his teaching career for the Milwaukee Public Schools, then moved to Fredonia, Wis., where he and Carol raised their five children. He was employed by the Northern Ozaukee School District, where he taught fourth grade for 21 years.   

He was an active member of the American Legion for more than 50 years.

He mentored, coached and taught many students over the course of his career. He was dedicated to serving children, the community and his Lord Jesus Christ. He volunteered at many school sporting events, the Legion and the Fredonia Ambulance Service and served on many church committees.

Ken deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren. His passions included singing (a former barbershopper), gardening, baseball (a lifelong Cubs fan), fishing, boating, eating a good meal and telling a good story! He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

  Visitation was held Tuesday, Dec.12, 2023, at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service following at 1 p.m. The Rev. Crystal Lee officiated.

Military rites were conducted by the Ladewig Zinkgraf American Legion Post 243 following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ladewig Zinkgraf American Legion Post 243 in memory of Ken.

Suchon Funeral Home assisted the family.

For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.