Obit: Hallgren, Kenneth H. (1931 - 2010)

Poster: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: D'Mello, Hallgren, Kwiesielewicz, Larson, Magalski, Quello, Reimann, Stefancin, Vachon, Wendlandt, Willger, Zanon

----Source: The Star News (Medford, Taylor Co., Wisconsin) Thursday, February 11, 2010, online edition

---Hallgren, Kenneth H. (June 4, 1931 - February 4, 2010)

Kenneth "Ken" H. Hallgren, 78, Medford, died Thursday, Feb. 4 at Pine Ridge Assisted Living in Colby, where he had resided the past 1-1/2 years, while under hospice care.

Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 8 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with Father Gerard Willger, Father Norbert D'Mello and Deacon Joseph Stefancin officiating. Burial was at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Medford. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Wesley and Corey Wendlandt, Kyle and Jared Reimann, Bartholomew, Samuel and Anthony Hallgren and Benjamin Magalski.

Kenneth Hallgren was born June 4, 1931 in Norway, Mich., to the late Harold A. and Amelia R. (Zanon) Hallgren. He attended Norway elementary schools, graduated from Norway High School and from Michigan Technological University with a degree in mechanical engineering.

On September 4, 1954 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laurium, Mich., he married Darleen R. Quello, who survives.

After college he worked as an engineer at Lakeside Bridge and Steel in Milwaukee for two years, then for Calumet and Hecla Company in Calumet, Mich., as an engineer for two years. He was also an engineer at Goodman Lumber in Goodman for six years, then worked for Weyerhaeuser in Marshfield as an engineer for approximately five years. He continued his employment with Weyerhaeuser in Dierks, Ark., for one year, then worked at Cleveland Cliffs in Munising, Mich., as an engineer for two years. He then began employment at Hurd Millwork in Medford where he was president/general manager for 25 years, until his retirement in 1999.

He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church where he served on many councils; Medford Area Development Foundation Board of Directors from 1994 to present, currently serving as vice president; Medford Area Chamber of Commerce from 1974 to present; The National Wood, Window and Door Association, where he served as president in 1993 and chairman in 1994; Community Bank of Central Wisconsin Board of Directors from 1996 to 2008; United Way of Taylor County personal sponsor of events; Ducks Unlimited; Taylor County Sportsman's Club; and Taylor Made ATV Club. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998 for his commitment to the Medford Area.

In addition to his wife, survivors include six children, Sandra (Keith) Wendlandt of Sturgeon Bay, Janet (Robert) Reimann of Merrill, Nancy (Chester) Kwiesielewicz of Merrill, twin sons, Brent (Juleen) and Brian (Elaine), both of Medford, and Mary (Mick) Magalski of Hortonville; three sisters, Constance Hallgren and Charlotte Vachon, both of Norway, and Mary (Raymond) Larson of Sheboygan; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests memorials be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or School.

Online condolences may be made at www.hemerfuneralservice.com

Hemer Funeral Service of Medford assisted the family with arrangements.