Kenneth V. White

Age 87, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2003 at Franciscan Care Center. Ken was born in Evanston, Illinois on August 14, 1916, son of the late Richard and Pauline (Gillespie) White. He was a graduate of the Appleton High School, and also graduated from the University of Wisconsin with his degree in accounting and personnel. On September 20, 1944, Ken married the former Helen Ritzer at Trinity Lutheran Church in Appleton; she survives. For nearly forty years, Ken was employed by Fox River Paper Company as an accountant. However, his greatest enjoyment in life came from spending time with his family, exercising, and keeping physically fit. Many will remember his many years of involvement at the Appleton YMCA where he coached swimming, played racquetball, among other sports. He held the Appleton YMCA record for swimming there, logging nearly 10, 000 miles! After he became disabled, his “walks” around town became scooter rides. He loved visiting with friends as he “took his walks”.

Ken is survived by his wife: Helen White of Appleton; a daughter: Patti (Bill) Shirer of Mosinee; a son: Doug (Mary Jo Weeks) White of Madison; four grandchildren: Dan Shirer, Melanie White, and twins Alanna and Adam White; a brother: Richard (Susan) White of Connecticut; a brother-in-law: Louis Ritzer of Florida; and his swimming partner and special great-nephew: Tim Ritzer. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Marsha, and a brother Douglas.

Memorial Services for Ken will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Roger Bertschausen officiating. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 11:30 AM until the hour of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has directed that memorial contributions be directed to the Kenneth White Memorial Fund, c/o Appleton Downtown YMCA, 316 E. Lawrence Street, Appleton, WI 54911 or to Franciscan Care and Rehabilitation Center, 2915 N. Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54911.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the entire staff at Franciscan Care Center. Your care, concern, and compassion were evident on a daily basis. We will never forget your kindness – we love you all!

“A beautiful life that came to an end, he died as he lived, everyone’s friend. In our hearts a memory will always be kept, of one we loved, and will never forget.”

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 54911
920-739-1231