"My deepest sympathies and prayers are for Jean and her family. I have such wonderful memories of Ken and will miss him. Ken was a dear and special friend. "
In loving memory of
Kenneth Roger Welton
October 10, 1934 - May 7, 2015
Middleton/Naples, Fl. - Kenneth R. Welton age 80, died peacefully at his home in Naples Florida on Thursday May 7, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born October 10, 1934 in Washburn, WI to Jack and Lucille Welton. Ken graduated from Washburn High School in 1952. He attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison, graduating in 1956 with a degree in Civil Engineering and Urban Land Economics. Ken entered into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony with Jean Louise Holt on June 16, 1956 in Washburn, WI. Following his graduation from college and getting married, Ken spent 3 years as a consulting engineer for Mead & Hunt Engineering, he also served in the Army Corp of Engineers, where he was eventually honorably discharged as a Captain at age 29.
Following his work at Mead & Hunt Engineering, starting in 1959 Ken began working at Wick Building Systems, Inc. in Mazomanie, WI. Ken flourished in his career with Wick for 20 years, eventually becoming the President of this rapidly growing national manufactured housing and construction firm. In 1975 Ken was named the National Marketer of the Year by the American Marketing Association, by virtue of Wick achieving sales of over 250,000 homes in a single year.
Following his 20 year career at Wick, starting in 1979, Ken became a 50% partner with the local Commercial Real Estate Development and Management firm of Executive Management, Inc. (EMI). He continued with the development and management of Commercial Real Estate in the Madison area for the next 8 years. In 1987 Ken founded his own Real Estate Development, Management, and Consulting firm known as Welton Enterprises, Inc., where he acted as Chairman of the Board until his death.
Ken was involved in several international civic and service organizations. Becoming involved as a member of the Jaycees, and the Rotary Club of Madison Downtown where he served as a Director. Ken was a charter member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish since 1959, were he served as an usher and catechist for many years. In 1976, Ken was selected to be the Chairman of the Parish Building Commission that built the Church that exists today at its current location. Ken is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Kristine (Dwain) Henning, and sons Kurtis, Kevin, and Michael, his 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and his three sisters Karlyn (Gary) Holman, Maryann (Russ) Angus, and Jackie (Jim) King.
Ken was a true visionary pioneer in the business of Residential and Commercial Real Estate, was highly respected for his ethical standards and integrity, and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
A visitation for Ken will be held at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave. on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 602 Everglade Drive Madison, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Church. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.
Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406
Tributes
" As a long time high school friend of Kris, I have great memories of Mr. Welton taking large groups of Kris's friends up to their beautiful cottage in Manitowish Waters. He and his wife were so good to all of us. My memory of him is that he was wonderful to his wife and family and all of their friends. Sympathy and love being sent to the Welton family, Annabel Dapin Sunby"
"My sincerest condolences to Jean and the family at this time of grief. I will always remember the happy times we all shared together during our Jaycee days. Lots of fond memories of Ken. "
"Please convey my sympathy to the family of Ken. The Welton family was very important with respect to fun times at Hill Farm Swim Club. Please know that I have very good memories of Ken and his family."