Kenneth "Ken" Waller

Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Waller, age 88 of Durand, IL, passed away peacefully, with a view of his beloved pond and trees, on August 2, 2024. Ken was born June 28, 1936, at Swedish American hospital in Rockford, Illinois. His parents were Wayne and Gladys (Wise) Waller. He had one brother, Donald (Sally) Waller, who has preceded him in death. Ken and Bev (Meier) Waller were married on June 15, 1957. They were high school sweethearts and had 67 wonderful years together while raising their four children: Bob, Ron, Rita, and Renee. Ken worked for 34 years at Ingersoll’s in Rockford before concluding his career working for Mueller Industries as an employee and a consultant. Ken grew up and lived his whole life in Durand. In his early years, he could be found hanging out at the Haughton garage. This developed his love of motor vehicles and racing. His early pride and joy was his Harley motorcycle which he took around the backroads of Durand and was the transportation for his first date with Bev. Ken and Bev loved car racing. They attended many stock car races all over the country. For many years, they would drive to Florida each February to enjoy the Daytona 500. Ken raced go-karts himself. Eventually he turned the wheel over to his sons and spent years traveling thousands of miles across the country to race. Ken was involved in many clubs and organizations: World Karting Association, Stateline Classic Car Club, Pheasants Forever, and various forestry programs. He was an Eagle Scout as well as a scout leader. This fueled his enjoyment for the outdoors, especially for trees. He and Bev planted over 12,000 seedlings at their current home on Farm School Road. His ‘Pond’ and ‘Shed’ have been the base camp for many fishing, skating, hunting, and storytelling adventures for family and friends. Ken was ever present riding in his Ranger around the property, constantly doing maintenance so that all could enjoy what he had created. The ‘Shed’ became the unofficial headquarters of the Knucklebumps Car Club. Ken loved the coffee, donuts, and community of these meetings. It also allowed him a place to share his mischievous and sharp sense of humor. Ken was met by his son, Bob, in heaven. Ken is survived by his wife, Bev, their children; Ron (Fiancé Dianna Bonny); Rita (Mike) Cornish and Renee (Dan) DeMus. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Nichole (Jason) Purviance, Cole Waller, Gage Cornish, Mycah (Jack) Smith, Kyle (Autumn) DeMus, Tyler (Kelly) DeMus, and Abby (Adam) Bernardi; and eight great-grandchildren: Emmett, Atley, Emersyn, Atlas, Avery, Brooks, Kade, and Emery. Ken cherished activities with his grandchildren and great grandchildren—being their greatest fan and supporter A funeral service will be held promptly at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the D.L. NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 1105 E 9th Ave, Brodhead, WI. Friends may pay their respects to Ken and find seating for the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 10:25 a.m. Casual attire requested. Following the service, burial will commence at Durand Cemetery, Durand, IL. Friends are welcome to visit with the family in a Celebration of Life honoring Ken beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Shed, 13050 Farm School Rd, Durand. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com. 608-897-2484 In lieu of flowers, memorials to Ken’s family will be applied to various charities, clubs, and nature conservation efforts that were close to Ken’s heart.

Kenneth "Ken" Waller

June 28, 1936 - August 2, 2024