Kenneth J. Close Sr.

Kenneth J. Close Sr.
Appleton

Age 80, died on Sunday, April 22, 2001 at the Franciscan Care Center, following a courageous 20 year battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Kenneth was born on January 30, 1921 in the Town of Lebanon, son of the late Henry and Bertha (Kostrzak) Close. He married Mary Gallea on October 10, 1942, and they have enjoyed 58 years of marriage. Kenneth was a member of St. Bernadette Catholic Church. He attended the Greer Technical Institute in Chicago, and graduated as a certified diesel mechanic. Kenneth used these skills to overhaul construction equipment during the winter down time. He was involved in the construction field as a superintendent, and was employed at Wilson Construction, Charles A. Green and Sons, Wieseler Construction, and Ted Coppens Construction. He also owned his own business; Kenneth Close Construction, before retiring in 1980. Kenneth was a member of the Operating Engineers Union, Local #139, and a lifetime member of the American legion. He loyally served his country in the Marine Corps, serving during World War II in the South Pacific Area. Kenneth loved gardening, and would also can vegetables and meat. He took two vacations every year; spring walleye fishing and fall deer hunting. Kenneth will be greatly missed by his wife Mary; his daughter Yvonne Marie (Montgomery) Miller, Appleton; five sons, Kenneth Close Jr. and his fiancé Donna Basler, Chilton; Philo (Amy) Close, St. George, Utah; Charles (Janice) Close, Appleton; John Close, Ishpeming, Michigan; Henry Close and special friend Barb Barrington, Appleton; two sisters, Genevieve Orris, Bainsbridge Island, Washington; Betty (Earl) Mundt, Oregon; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, June Close. He was preceded in death by his sons David and Joseph; four brothers, Henry, Raymond, Martin and Harold; and a brother-in-law, Paul Orris. The Funeral Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, 2001 at the funeral home, with Father Harold Berryman officiating. Entombment will be at Highland Memorial Park. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Military Honors will follow the service. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Franciscan Care Center, for their loving care of Kenneth during his stay. Kenneth was a man with outstanding character, a strong work ethic and a person who enjoyed life to the fullest. Upon his discharge from the military, Kenneth was given the following letter of recommendation, written by Warrant Officer P.R. Fillingim, USMC; and describes him well: “I take pleasure in introducing Mr. Kenneth J. Close to anyone who may consider employing him in any capacity as an ambitious hard worker, thoroughly trustworthy and of excellent character (as evidenced by his discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps). He takes pride in any type work that he is assigned and does an excellent job. He is very cooperative among his fellow workers and has a good personality. I feel sure that by employing him you will not make a mistake. He will prove an asset to you. On behalf of myself and the Marine Corps in general I regret that Mr. Close does not choose a military career.”

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhome.com