Louis "Woody" Wulterkens

Louis “Woody” Wulterkens, age 95, of Kimberly, joined his wife Ethel, in Heaven after a brief illness on Friday, April 26, 2019 at St. Paul Villa, with his family by his side.  Born on July 25, 1923 in Combined Locks, Woody was the son of the late Edward and Dora (Tenk) Wulterkens.  He attended Kimberly High School, lettering in boxing.  Woody continued to box during his military career in the Navy and he enjoyed watching the sport throughout his life.  After hitch-hiking across the country Woody joined the US Navy.  He was a radio operator on board the USS Custer in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1945.  While serving his country, Woody earned 5 Bronze Stars in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and 2 Bronze Stars during the Philippine Liberation.  He met the beautiful Ethel Milton at The Nightingale in Kaukauna and they were married on April 10, 1948.  Woody spent most of his working years at various jobs in the Kimberly Mill.  He enjoyed the outdoors, bowling, golfing and spending time with his family.  He was always known to have a toothpick nearby and a pork-steak squeeze for his grandkids.  Woody and Ethel traveled to sunny Arizona for the winters after their retirements.   They shared 68 wonderful years of marriage together before her passing on October 12, 2016.  Later that fall, Woody, an avid Cubs fan, enjoyed watching the Cubbies win the 2016 World Series for the first time in his life…(Thanks, Mom!)

He is survived by his children: Mary Kay (Jack) Raddatz, Peggy (Jim) Reader, Roger (Tammy) Wulterkens, Timm (Julie) Wulterkens, and Wendy (Matthew) Kovalaske; grandchildren: Russ (Lorie) Raddatz, Becky (Matt) Ferber, Rod (Joey) Reader, Tara (Jason) Wegand, Ryan (Shannon) Reader, Jennifer Dickson, Bonnie (Chris) Flory, Jared Wulterkens, Cole (Brenda) Wulterkens, Hannah, Benjamin and Noah Kovalaske, a step-granddaughter, Amber (Mark) Ebertz; great-grandchildren: Elizabeth and Amelia Raddatz, Evan and Abe Ferber, Lucas, Mason and Travis Reader, Nicholas, Jackson and Addison Wegand, Braeden, Ava and Brooklyn Reader, Zoey and Austin Wulterkens, and step great-grandchildren, Amora Dolan, McKayla, Maddie and Drew Rudolph, a sister-in-law, Pat Milton and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.   

He was preceded in death by his parents, 7 brothers: Conrad (Delores), Harry (Minnie), Leo (Linda), Ted (Mildred), John (Margaret), Joseph (Margaret) and Robert (Marion); 2 sisters: Anne (Art) Vanderheiden, and Lyda (Nyles) Manley; his in-laws, Gladys (John) Diedrich, Eileen (Walter) Wildenberg, Elaine (Bob) Welter, Orile (Harriet) Milton, Cletus Milton, Donald (Ione) Milton, and Michael Milton. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, W2796 Hwy KK, Darboy, with Fr. Bob Kollath officiating.  Friends may call directly at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Combined Locks.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Woody’s name.  For online condolences, please visit: www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family would like to thank St. Paul Villa staff, St. Paul Hospice, Dr. Montgomery “Monk” Elmer and staff for their care and support.  

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