Kenneth A. Hawley

Ken Hawley, age 72, of Appleton, died at his home on Friday, September 2, 2005 with his loving family at his side, following a thirty-year battle with diabetes. Ken was born in Appleton on November 9, 1932, son of the late David "Art" and Rose (Peters) Hawley. As a young man, he worked with his family on the farm near Appleton, and for over twenty years worked at Kool's Brothers in Menasha. Since 1982 he had worked for the Outagamie County Highway Department, and for over twenty-five years was a member of the Grand Chute Fire Department. His number one priority was spending time with his family, and he also enjoyed gardening, snowmobiling, and raising pheasants. Everyone will remember the soft spot he had for his dog Buddy, and how he enjoyed his company.

On May 22, 1957, Ken married the former Ilene "Ila Mae" Meulemans in Wrightstown; she survives. The couple was blessed with eight children: Steve (Sandy) Hawley of Appleton, Dan (Kathy) Hawley of Freedom, Rick Hawley of the Town of Center, Kevin (Kim) Hawley of Shiocton, Brian "Butch" (Cathy) Hawley of Kaukauna, Ken (Stacy) Hawley of Appleton, Doug (Deb) Hawley of Black Creek, and Luann (David) Hopkins of Greenville. He is also survived by twenty five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a very special brother: Edward Hawley of Appleton; three sisters-in-law: Rosie Hawley, Marjorie (LeRoy) Thede, and Marilyn (Don) Stratton, all of Appleton; a brother-in-law: Lloyd (Ann) Meulemans of Black Creek, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Eric Hawley whom he spoke of often, a brother Norbert Hawley, a sister-in-law Mary Hawley, Ilene's parents August and Catherine Meulemans, and two nephews Tom and Michael Meulemans.

The funeral liturgy for Ken will be held at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at St. THERESE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Wisconsin Avenue at Morrison Street in Appleton with Fr. Mark Vander Steeg officiating. Interment will be in St. Edward Cemetery, Mackville. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Tuesday and again at the church on Wednesday from 1:30 PM until the hour of the service. There will be a parish prayer and scripture service at 7:30 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all of Ken's caregivers over the past several months, especially to the wonderful people from Theda Care At Home Hospice, especially Kelly, Nancy, Ann, and Tom. Your love and care made it possible for Ken to stay at home. We thank you, and will never forget your kindness. We also want to thank Uncle Eddie, Father Mark, Father Bill, Rita, and our many family members and friends for your prayers and support.

Dad, you were our inspiration and you taught us so much in life. Even during your illness, you taught us courage, patience, and love. We are so proud of you! We love you, and you will always be in our hearts. You are at peace now. Love, Mom and the kids.

Grandpa, I am so glad I got to meet you and that I'm your namesake. Love, Kendall.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231