Kenneth Wokurka Sr.

Kenneth Wokurka, Sr., a Private in the United States Marines and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully in his home in Princeton, Wisconsin on October 7, 2024. He was 85.

He was born on November 9, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois to Arthur and Lillian (Malecek) Wokurka. Kenneth attended and graduated from Wells High School and joined the United States Marines at age 17. He served in Okinawa for two years and often shared stories of his time overseas with his family. When he returned home, he worked as a truck driver until he retired in 2002.

Kenneth met his wife, Sophie, when she was 15 years old and they married on October 15, 1960 in Chicago. Together, they raised four sons in Bensenville, Illinois and led a life full of laughter and unpredictability. They purchased two acres of land in Princeton, Wisconsin in 1990 and moved there full time to enjoy retirement in 2006.

Ken loved animals and owned many cats and dogs throughout his lifetime. Most notably, his favorite dog Suzie, who he rescued from the side of the road. He often spent his time feeding the wildlife surrounding his home and would visit animal shelters to spend time with the cats. Ken would also hide animals from his wife in and around their home until she would finally agree to let them live inside.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Sophie Wokurka; four sons, Kenneth Wokurka Jr, Mark Wokurka, Dean Wokurka, John (Stephanie Maggio) Wokurka; ten grandchildren, Alicia (Rob) Schaefer, Josh (Mercedes Barata-Larregola) Wokurka, Ashley Wokurka, Amanda (Mohsin) Khan, Vanessa (Ryan) Sabia, Zachary Wokurka, Sarah Wokurka, Alexis Wokurka, Emma Wokurka, Ethan Wokurka; five great grandchildren, Brooklyn Schaefer, Leah Sabia, Tommy Schaefer, Leland Sabia, and Mia Rodriguez; many other relatives and friends. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lillian Wokurka; nine siblings; daughter-in-law, Diane Wokurka. The Wokurka family would like to thank Sophie’s nieces, Annette, Denise, Michelle and nephew, Derek for their support of their aunt and Kenneth as they grew old together.

A private ceremony will be held at St. Aldabert’s Catholic Cemetery in Niles, Illinois. Information will be shared amongst family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations in the Wokurka name can be made to the Princeton American Legion Post 366, 853 W. Main St. Princeton, WI 54968. Please visit our website www.wachholzandsons.com to send a condolence or to share a memory of Kenneth with his family.

Wachholz and Sons Funeral Home

Sunset Cremation Center in Princeton

Serving the Family, 920-295-6631

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