Kenneth Shilts

Longtime resident of New Richmond WI, Kenneth Edward Shilts, age 89 passed away on June 17, 2024, with his loving wife by his side. Kenny was born on August 23, 1934, in Chippewa County, WI. He spent most of his young life in the Hayward, WI area. Kenny met his wife Barbara Ash in the year of 1954, and they were married on June 18, 1955, in Stanley, WI. This year they would have celebrated their 69th Wedding Anniversary!

He started his work career with his family at Shilts Trucking, a Logging business. In 1953 he took a job in Superior, WI, building steel tanks for Chicago Bridge & Iron. Which included traveling with his family to the job site locations in North Dakota, South Dakota, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana. In mid-year Kenny worked his last job for Chicago Bridge & Iron in Savanna, Ill. which totaled numerous years.

A short time was spent in Hazen, N.D., before settling in New Richmond, WI in August 1966 where he began work at the King Plant in Bayport, MN. When this job was finished Kenny worked at several more worksites as a Boilermaker Mechanic which included power plants, refineries and dams.

Kenny was the most generous, kind, strong, and loving man, who had a heart of gold. He would do anything and everything for his family and friends. When you think of Kenny, he would always put you first even if that meant he would go without. He enjoyed spending time with his siblings. He also loved watching his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren play sports. He was an avid sports fan, watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers, and Bucks.

After retirement in September 1994, he enjoyed having more time in the things he loved to do; four-wheeling, snowmobiling, going to truck pulls, and snowmobile races. He was always accompanied by a few of his sons, daughter, grandchildren, siblings, and friends. He had made a few trips to Colorado elk hunting and of course, hunted the deer seasons in Wisconsin each year. Kenny also made trips out to Yellowstone, Wyoming, and Montana snowmobiling. For over 20 years, he and Barbara spent time RVing to warmer weather in the winter.

Kenny’s daughter called him the “nine lives plus man,” because of all the mishaps he had in his life, he always pulled through. I guess you can say, he liked living on the edge!

Kenny was a man who was strong in faith and even made it stronger by getting confirmed on April 3, 1999, in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, New Richmond, Wisconsin. The list goes on and on of how great Kenny was to everyone he met.

Kenny is survived by his loving wife, Barbara of 68 years; five sons, Rick, Ron (Shelah), Steve (Kristi), Dennis, Bryan (Michelle) Shilts; one daughter, Diana (Ty) Valentine; siblings: Gerald (Eunice) Shilts, George (Elnora) Shilts, JoAnn (Ryan) Becker, Melvin (Donna) Shilts, Dave Shilts, Don (Janice) Shilts, Linda (Derek) Craker, Darlene (Mike) Dailey, Naomi Marquart, and sister-in-law Pat Shilts; 15 grandchildren, Adam (Laura) Shilts, Allison (Justin Troup) Shilts, Torey Shilts, Jeremy (Jessica Halvorson) Shilts, Jamie (Jamie) Rousar, Nik Boese, Jena (Aaron) Quigley, Madeline Dill, Douglas (Amber Holle) Peterson, Daniel (Amanda) Shilts, Sarena Shilts, Rylee Shilts, Chris Quist, Bill (Stacy) Quist, Josh (Valarie Bonte) Quist; 26 great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Violet (Stelter) Shilts; in-laws, Ralph and Minnie Ash; brothers, Clayton, Gordon, and Glen Shilts; brothers-in-law, David Marquart; Donald, Robert (Bob), Hank, Howard Ash; Fritz Miller; sisters-in-law, Lorraine (Ash) Miller; Rhodetta, Demi, MaryAnn, and Sally Ash.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A special thank you to Dr. Dummer, Westfields Hospital and Clinic, Peggy, Lynn, Miranda, Veronica, Jodi, and all the staff at Optage Hospice. All your help with Barbara’s husband/our dad has been greatly appreciated.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 PM on Thursday June 27, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 151 S. Washington Ave., New Richmond, WI. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to Mass at the Church. Immediately following the service, burial will take place in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the church basement afterwards. Arrangements are with Cullen-Crea Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association; Cancer Foundation; and/or Optage Hospice and Services at 2845 Hamline Avenue N., Roseville, MN 55113.

To watch the funeral live stream please go to one of the following links 10 minutes before Mass is to start.
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ImmaculateConceptionParishNewRichmond/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaYe4RRPNX20r-fEklQy4aw