Ken G. Salm

Kenneth George Salm, AKA “The Hunch”, age 77 of Appleton, WI passed away on December 18, 2024. He was born to Lester and Violet (Keddell) Salm on February 4, 1947 in Appleton, WI. Ken graduated from Appleton High School with the class of ’65 and enlisted in the Navy shortly after to aid in the Vietnam War. Ken married the love of his life, Sue Ann Gatz in September of 1975 and together, they raised three children. He later earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in counseling from UW Oshkosh and, while he never was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a counselor, he was proud of the accomplishments he’d made in those degrees. 

When Ken was younger, he enjoyed being outdoors, fishing and occasionally hunting. He had a passion for computers and even built his own computer at one point. He spent a lot of time learning about history and teaching himself new skills through reading and documentaries. For some reason, Ken really enjoyed bad movies, or what he called “rotten movies”. If you brought over a bad movie, there was a chance he already watched and owned it. You could often find him cheering on the Packers whenever they were playing. More than anything, though, Ken cherished his family and friends and spent as much time as he could with them. 

Ken will be deeply missed by his wife, Sue Ann Salm; his daughter, Erin (Rob) Goad; his estranged son, Brian Salm; his “daughter”, Sarah (Dan) Seidler-Halwas; his grandchildren, Damon Salm, Kelsi Salm, Delaney Goad, and Mackenzie Goad; his brothers, Robert (Kathy) Salm and Donald (Gayle) Salm; his brother-in-law, Richard Van Heuklon; his nieces and nephews, Nicholas (Genelle) Van Heuklon, Eric (Celestia) Van Heuklon, Laura (Scott) Hamilton, Karen (Justin) Jahns, Adam Salm, Britne (Sandy) Shelton, and Ethan Salm; as well as many other extended relatives and dear friends. 

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Violet Salm; his daughter, Katie Salm; his sister, Jean Salm; and his sister-in-law, Mary “Tick” Van Heuklon. 

A memorial visitation will be held for Ken from 9-11 AM on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation instead to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Ken’s wishes. 

Ken’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the Gold Cross for all of the rescue help over the years; and we’re sure Ken himself would like to thank Sue Ann for the wonderful cream chipped beef on toast that he was so fond of. 

“Why be normal?” – Ken.