Kenneth Whitcher
September 23, 1930 - February 02, 2017
Obituary
Kenneth L. Whitcher, 86 of Platteville died on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Gray's Nursing Home, Platteville. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2017 at the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville. Burial will be at Lima Union Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00- 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2017 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, or from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Kenneth L. Whitcher Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.
Ken was born on September 23, 1930 in Platteville, son of Loren and Mabel (Larson) Whitcher. Ken was united in marriage to Fern Klinge on January 18, 1950 at Peace Lutheran Church, Platteville. Kenny and Fern farmed in Lima Township for many years. Kenny worked for Bob Kramer, Jeffrey Oil, Badger Motors and for Lima Township. He worked seasonally for Rural Excavating. Kenny was a volunteer fireman for the city of Platteville for many years. He served on the Lima Township board and was a former member of the Southwest Auto Club, Platteville. He and Fern enjoyed square dancing, and traveling. They got to see all 50 states. He especially enjoyed their annual family vacation to Shell Lake, Wisconsin. He collected and restored many classic cars and trucks over the years, which he was very proud of.
Kenny is survived by his wife of 67 years, Fern; three daughters, Bev (Tom) Taber of Platteville; Betty (Roger) Schambow of Rewey, WI; Barb (Mike) Canon of Mineral Point, WI; seven grandchildren, John (Kelly) Taber, Paul (Lindsay) Taber, Keith Taber, Lynn (Chris Kempfer) Schambow, Laura (Chad) Bahr, Brad (Lindsey) Canon and Megan (fiancé, Andrew Landon) Canon; 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Carol Edge of Platteville; brother-in-law, Herbert Klinge of Madison; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Roy Schambow on November 16, 2010.