Kenneth Wooden

Kenneth B. Wooden, 84, of Winona, passed away March 7, 2019, at Saint Anne of Winona. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 28, 1934, in Winona, MN to John F. and Seraphine (Gora) Wooden. Ken was proud to say he was born on a kitchen table at 271 Wall Street in Winona. He graduated from Winona Senior High School and served in the Army from 1953-1956. He was married to the love of his life Janice (Zirbes) Wooden for 58 years, until her passing in 2016. Janice and Ken met on a blind date on Armed Forces Day, May 19, 1956, and attended the parade at Camp McCoy. They were married on March 29, 1958. In 1961, he and Janice moved to Winona where they lived until 2015 when they moved to Onalaska, WI. Ken had just returned to live in Winona on March 5. Ken spent many years working at Fiberite in Winona, retiring in 1996.

Kenneth is lovingly survived by three daughters: Sandra Wooden-Lynghamer (partner Ted Emery), La Crosse, WI; Kelly Wooden, La Crescent, MN; and Julie Wooden-Kean (Patrick), Des Moines, IA; grandson Donovon Lynghamer; and one brother, John P. Wooden, Adrian, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Janice; first-born daughter Debora, and sister-in-law Mary Wooden (John).

Kenneth was a wonderful father, loving grandfather, and caring brother. He loved spending time with his family, keeping an eye on his kids through Facebook, snuggling with his granddogs, listening to music on his “Alexa”, and watching TV. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, stubbornness, and work ethic.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home in Winona.  Matthew Huggenvik will officiate.  Friends are invited to join the family for light refreshments after the service.  Ken will be laid to rest in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona with military honors.

The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and support provided by Saint Anne of Winona and Winona Area Hospice Services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the family and they will in turn divide the donations between Saint Anne of Winona and Winona Area Hospice Services in honor of Ken.

Online condolences may be left for Kenneth’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.