Kenneth V. Wildhaber

Kenneth V. Wildhaber, 89, of Jefferson City, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2020, at SSM Health. He was born on April 9, 1931, in Argyle, Missouri, a son of the late Edwin and Genevieve (Renfert) Wildhaber. He was united in marriage to Laurine Struemph, January 1, 1951, in Freeburg, Missouri, who preceded him in death on October 14, 2014. Kenneth was a 1949 graduate of Freeburg High School. He served four years in the United States Navy during the Korean War. In 1956, he helped establish the Westphalia Fire Department. Kenneth was employed with the Missouri Boat Commission from 1960 to 1966, and was the first Water Patrolman to patrol the Missouri waters statewide. In 1967, he established Wildhaber's Marine, Inc., where he remained the owner until his retirement. In 1969, he was elected to the First Ward seat on the Jefferson City Council and served for 10 years. Kenneth also served as a member of the Charter Commission that drafted the city's home rule charter in 1985. From 1969 to 1980, he was a member of the Mid-Missouri Council of Governments serving as Chairman for three years, also was a member of the Cole County Human Development during that period. He also served on the Special Road District in 1972. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society of I.C., VFW and the American Legion. He served on the I.C. Parish Council and was chairman of the I.C. Home and School Association. He was also a member of the Lincoln Newman Center Board from 1971 to 1987, and was instrumental in obtaining the property on Marshall Street for the Newman Center. He is survived by his children: Carol Menges (Kenny), Dee Dee Mehmert-Cryderman (Don), Cindy Stokes (Greg), Kenny Wildhaber Jr. (Diane) and Jim Wildhaber (Lisa); sister, Bernice Schmitz; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. Kenneth was preceded in death by his siblings: Marceline Branum, Doris Wankum, Ralph and Francis Wildhaber. Friends will be received on Monday, November 23, 2020, from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Don Antweiler officiating. Entombment will follow in the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that expressions of sympathy be made to Immaculate Conception Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.