This file part of www.watertownhistory.org website
Kenneth R. Wilkes
Mayor, 1969-73
Wilkes Radio and TV Sales and Service
509 East Main
606 Main Street
Kenneth R. Wilkes, 81, of Watertown, passed away on Saturday,
Oct. 23, 2010, after struggling with Parkinson's disease for many years. He was at his home surrounded by his loving
family.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran
Church in Watertown on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. James Werner
officiating. Burial, with military
graveside rites performed by the Watertown American Legion Post No. 189, will
be in Lutheran Cemetery in Watertown.
Relatives and friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m.
until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Mark's Lutheran
Church, the R.O.C., or the charity of one's choice would be appreciated.
Kenneth Robert Wilkes was born on Feb. 6, 1929, in
Watertown, son of John and Emma (Reich) Wilkes.
Ken was a 1947 graduate of Watertown Senior High School. He served in
the United States Navy for four years, during the Korean War.
On Oct. 21, 1950, he married the former Mae Albrecht
at Watertown Moravian Church. Ken owned
and operated Wilkes Radio and TV Sales and Service in Watertown. He retired from Eaton Corp. in Watertown in
1991. Ken was the mayor of Watertown for
two terms, serving on various boards and committees, while continuing to work
part-time. He also served as an alderman
for 10 years in the 8th Ward.
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Mayor, 1969-73
Wilkes had run against Mike Bentzin,
a well-known and connected Watertown businessman. Bentzin ran a
grocery store, beer distributorship and other business and had been on the school
board for many years.
In 1971 was re-elected, when radio station owner Carl Kolata and former Mayor Robert White ran against him. Two years later, in 1973, Kolata
defeated Wilkes.
Wilkes ran a TV business on S Third St. At the time the mayor’s position was part
time.
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Ken was a lifetime member of St.
Mark's Lutheran Church in Watertown, where he served as an elder for several
years. He was a past commander and
member of the American Legion Post No. 189.
He belonged to the Plattdeutscher Verein in
Watertown. After retiring, he enjoyed
golfing and was a member of Windwood Country Club in
Watertown.
Ken also enjoyed fishing, especially on the Chippewa
Flowage in northern Wisconsin.
Ken is survived by his wife, Mae of Watertown; four
children, Sandra (Gary) Johnson of Hales Corners, Michael (Maureen) Wilkes of
Middleton, Patti (Michael) Bertling of Hartford and
Steven (Debra) Wilkes of Janesville; two brothers, Laverne (Marilyn) Wilkes and
Roger (Betty) Wilkes of Watertown; nine grandchildren, Philip, Elizabeth and
Emily Johnson, Megan and Christopher Wilkes, Jacquelin,
Paul and Joey Bertling and Justin Wilkes; nieces,
nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and two
brothers, Lee and Howard.
Hafemeister Funeral Home
611 E. Main St. Watertown
1963
06 18 Kenneth Wilkes today announced that his new
Ken Wilkes Radio and TV Service Store at 606 Main Street is now ready and that
he will hold open house for the public there on June 20, 21 and 22. The event also marks the tenth anniversary of
Mr. Wilkes in business here during which time he has established a wide
business acquaintance and service area . Mr. Wilkes
has sold his former property at 509 East Main to the
Pure Oil Co. which now operates a service station at the corner of Main and
South Fifth Streets, directly to the west.
