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Kenneth Cooley
In Memory of
Kenneth Wilson
Cooley
1936 - 2018
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Obituary for Kenneth Wilson Cooley

of Waukesha passed away peacefully on February 13, 2018. Ken was born March 24, 1936, in Kansas City, MO, to Dallas Wilson and Margaret Louise Cooley (nee Gulick). Ken graduated from Wichita East High School in 1954 and received his Bachelor’s degree at Phillips University in 1959. He also earned a Master’s degree at Wichita State University in 1965, followed by his Doctorate at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Ken and Jill (nee Gist) were married August 26, 1956, and made their first home in Enid, OK, while attending college. After serving as Pastor at a small country church in Benton, KS, Ken chose to return to school. As his family grew and his education continued, they moved to Wichita, KS, then Carbondale, IL, coming to Waukesha in 1968, when Ken took a position at UW-Waukesha as a Professor of Philosophy. Over the years, he chaired the City of Waukesha's Ethics Committee, was the chairman of the board for Pilgrim Christian Church, and was instrumental in the early development of the Waukesha Food Pantry where he served as president from 1975-1989; he also served on the board of UW-Waukesha Foundation, and was a member of American Association of University Professors. Although Ken retired from UW-Waukesha in 2002, gaining emeritus status, he continued to teach his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren about life and learning. He and Jill loved nothing more than to support their large, extended family in all their various activities and endeavors.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jill; children Kathryn, Deborah (Tim) Nehs, Michael and Brian (Sophia). He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Sarah, Laura, Christopher, Jessica, Bryn, Dallas, Cannon, Grayson, Cora, Delaney, Mariana, Kyle, Shade and Gloria. He will be missed by his brother; Norman, and sister, Mary.

In lieu of flowers, Ken requested memorials to the Autism Society of Southeast Wisconsin 3720 N 124th St, Suite O, Wauwatosa, WI. 53222. UW Waukesha Foundation 1500 N. University Drive Waukesha, WI 53188.
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