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Walter Kevern Obituary
Janesville, WI – Walter L. Kevern , 95, passed away at Edgerton Hospital, Edgerton, WI. Walter was born March 4, 1924 in Freeport, Il, the son of Walter and Marie (Galbraith) Kevern. He married Esther Payne of Freeport on July 5, 1952 in Freeport. Walter graduated from Freeport High School in 1942 and the University of Illinois in 1949. He was employed as a civil engineer in Dixon, Il with the Illinois Department of Transportation and spent his career improving the state road system in Northwestern Illinois. Several years after retiring, he and Esther moved to the Huntington retirement community in Janesville, WI.
He served in the Army in the Pacific during WWII. His Graves Registration unit was attached to the 27th Division during the battle for Okinawa. He also served in Korea the winter after the surrender. He served stateside during the Korean conflict with the Corps of Engineers.
Walter attended Grace United Methodist and St. Luke's Episcopal in Dixon, Il and Trinity Episcopal church in Janesville. He was also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, the American Legion, and the Dixon Noon Lions Club. He enjoyed all aspects of railroading, working for the Illinois Central Railroad in summers after high school, and he was a charter member of the Illinois Central Historical Society.
He is survived by sons John of Rochester, NY, and Thomas (Lynn) of Milton, WI; three grandchildren, John (Samantha), Elizabeth (Greg). James (Michelle); and three great grandchildren, Winston, Wren and Beatrix. Esther preceded him in death 4 years ago.
A private service will be held in Freeport, IL. The family would like to thank Huntington Assisted Living, Dean Clinic, SSM St. Mary's Hospital, Janesville, WI and Edgerton Hospital for providing Walter wonderful care.
Condolences can be shared at www.walkermortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Kevern
Sponsored by Walker Mortuary, Ltd. - Freeport.
6 Entries
John & Frances Shular
November 1, 2019
Walter was a dedicated engineer in the District 2 family.
Larry and Louise Reed
October 31, 2019
Walt was a member of the Dixon Road Builders for 46 years. To become a member you needed to have 25 years of service with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Walt was a very special person to work with. He would offer a helping hand by making sure you had all the information to take action.Thank you to Walt, Dixon Roadbuilders will Miss you.
October 31, 2019
You don't meet many people in life who are truly nice people. Walt was one of those and a great friend. He was smart and had a good since of humor. As his neighbor, Walt would do anything for you. We had a really good friendship with him and he will truly be missed. I know he missed his wife Esther and now he can spend eternity with her. Love you and we'll miss you Walt.
Doug & Sandy
Garry Ortgiesen
October 31, 2019
Walter was my senior in job title and age. As a young man on my first job, I was happy to work for Walter in the Research Dept at DOT in Dixon, IL. Never did I realize he was fifteen years older. I learned a lot from his knowledge and experience. We both had an interest in railroading and I would have expected him to continue in that field that he was familiar with. However, I soon left the DOT for a different career as well.
My sympathy to all in Walter's passing and remembering Esther as well. Most happy to have known them So sad to lose dear friends. May Our God grant them His peace and blessings forever. Amen
Garry Ortgiesen
P.O. Box 631
Dixon, IL 61021
Erin Hartwich
October 31, 2019
He was so wonderful and kind. I had the great opportunity to meet him, get to know him, and care for him over the last four years. He will always be in my heart!
Kathy Volkert
October 30, 2019
What a wonderful man and neighbor. Walter you were the best! Rest In Peace my friend.
Sincerely,
Sam and Kathy
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Walker Mortuary, Ltd. - Freeport321 West Main Street, Freeport, IL 61032
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