- Date Of Birth: June 12, 1941
- Date Of Death: April 22, 2019
- State: Illinois
Kenneth Eugene Wellenreiter, 77, of Jacksonville, IL passed away Monday morning, April 22, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born June 12, 1941 in Jacksonville, the son of Henry and Thelma Grider Wellenreiter. He married Cherri Milliman on July 6, 1966 in New Berlin, IL and she survives.
He is also survived by four children, Melissa Lowe (husband, Tedd), Chante Gilmore, Chad Wellenreiter (girlfriend, Jennifer), and Tosha Wellenreiter, all of Jacksonville; five grandchildren, Jabril Amore (wife, Tasha), Salim Wali-Uddin (fiancé, Bailee Stephenson), Miriam Wali-Uddin, Audrey Lowe, and Kaylee Wellenreiter, all of Jacksonville; a great grandchild, Blakely Wali-Uddin of Jacksonville; a sister, Clara Maher of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Kenneth Eugene “Gene” Wellenreiter, Jr.
A 1959 Jacksonville High School graduate, Kenneth served with the US Army in Okinawa from 1963-65. He worked several years at the National Food Store in Jacksonville prior to becoming a fire fighter for the City of Jacksonville. He served with the Jacksonville Fire Department for over 20 years, retiring as driver in 1992.
During his retirement, Kenneth drove special education students for Jacksonville School District 117. Kenneth and his wife also served as foster parents to 45 children over a 10 year span.
Kenneth was a member of Harmony Lodge #3 AF & AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Springfield, Ansar Shrine, and the Rasna Shrine Club. He was a member and past worthy patron of Wilber Chapter, Order of Eastern Star and was a former advisory board member to the Jacksonville Golden Assembly, Rainbow Girls. He loved fishing, woodworking, and camping where he was involved in both the Good Sam Camping Club and the Retired Good Sam Camping Club.
