KENNETH COUILLARD
October 28, 1935 - April 12, 2022
Obituary
On April 12, 2022, Kenneth “Ken” Couillard, age 86, was welcomed home to heaven by his loving son, Keith and his beloved wife, Barb. Ken was born in Oconto, WI on October 28, 1935 to Andrew and Alice (Funk) Couillard.
He proudly grew up on his family farm in Couillardville, WI. When his dad passed unexpectedly, and with the generous help of neighbors, Ken accepted the responsibility of running the family farm at the age of 14. He graduated from Oconto High School in 1953. Ken earned his Teaching Degree in Industrial Arts from UW-Stout. He had a passion for learning his entire life!
Ken married his high school sweetheart, Donna Wittkopf, in 1958. They raised their three children together in the homes that Ken built in Greenville and the Town of Center. Although their marriage ended after 29 years, Ken and Donna remained friends.
Ken taught Industrial Arts at Hortonville High School from 1962 to 1974. He then started Ken Couillard Builders and built 37 beautiful homes. His favorite job was teaching weatherization skills to the inmates at the Oshkosh Correctional Institution. Ken retired as an instructor at Fox Valley Technical College – Oshkosh Campus.
In 1999, Ken married Barb (Weber) Pyszora, who was loved by all.
Ken was an active member of the Experimental Aircraft Association for 45 years. He served as President of EAA Chapter 444 for eight years. One of Ken's proudest moments was when he finished building his Zenair Tri-Z CH300 airplane. He spent many years fabricating every component himself. It was a beautiful plane and an incredible accomplishment!
Ken had a deep-seated compassion for those who were struggling, thus leading him to become a huge supporter of “Coats for Kids”.
Ken is survived by his daughters Kathy (Jon) Willis of Manitowoc and Kerri (Gary) Jepson of Manawa; Grandchildren Aaron Willis, Emma Willis and Keither Jepson; Stepsons Todd (Julie) Pyszora of Waukesha and David Pyszora of Neenah, and former daughter-in-law Mary Beth Pyszora; Step-grandchildren Emily Pyszora, Rachel Pyszora, and Courtney Jepson; Brother Doug (Betty) Couillard, nieces, friends, and his former wife and friend Donna Perkins.
Ken was preceded in death by his son Keith, brother Jim, stepson Ricky and his beloved wife Barb.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 803 E. College Avenue in Appleton. Friends may gather at the church from 9 am until the time of the service.
Ken's family wishes to extend a special thank you to his incredible hospice nurse, Tammy, and the AseraCare Hospice staff…and to Nichole, Cindy, Florie, Jason and Hannah who truly cared for him!