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Kenneth Wiewel, age 89, of Quincy, IL, passed away on November 8, 2024 in Bickford Senior Living. Kenneth was born in Quincy, a son of Francis and Viola (Wellman) Wiewel. He married Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Ancell in Quincy on July 6, 1957. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2000.

Kenneth worked at Motorola for 20 years and then was a self-employed electrician for many years until his retirement. In 1995, he moved out to the country to become a “gentleman farmer”.

Kenny knew how to build things. Along with electrical work, which he did professionally, he mastered construction. He built the home on Antoinette with his brother Sonny and remodeled the other homes. His kids knew who to ask when they needed help. He passed those skills on to his children who were mudding drywall at a ridiculously early age and helping him pull wire when they were old enough.

He knew how to harvest the natural gifts of the land he loved. He always had a large garden that provided the basis for canning and freezing. His lime pickles were epic. He raised cows and chickens. But he also hunted. His deer salami and jerky were prized. Frog legs were not uncommon at a meal, and there were a few crawdad adventures as well. The man could tell you where to find morel mushrooms and what to do with them when you got them home. The lake he built at the farm is a beautiful, lasting, legacy. No one could clean a fish with his skill and speed—just try! The beer battered fish he served up to family and friends made for wonderful memories. His children learned hospitality from Jackie and Kenny; no one ever went away hungry.

Kenny loved his friends. At the end of his life, Sandy helped him keep those connections. Over the years he shot trap, bowled, pitched horseshoes, played cards, shared beer and companionship at the Grove and other haunts. Yogi, smarter than the average bear, was well loved and will be missed.

Kenneth is survived by his children: Christine L. Wiewel and her husband Michael Schlinkmann, Douglas S. Wiewel, and Cynthia Carlyle and her husband Daniel. Grandchildren: Lynn Wiewel, Stephen Schlinkmann, Jacob (Katie) Wiewel, Casey Wiewel, Ian Carlyle, Alec Carlyle, and Anna Carlyle. A brother Loren ‘Sonny’ (June) Wiewel, Ken’s companion: Sandy Bush, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives also survive.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, a son Timothy J. Wiewel and siblings and in-laws: Lloyd (Ruth) Wiewel, Majorie (Richard) Niekamp, and Dorothy (Leonard) Niekamp.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. A private entombment at the Quincy Memorial Park Mausoleum will be held at a later date. A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the donor’s choice. The Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.