PCCA Mourns the Loss of Past President Don Killoren
Donald J. (DJ) Killoren passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side following a short illness. He was an entrepreneur and inventor who held US patents. Don was also past President of the Power and Communication Contractors Association in 1968 and 1969.
He is survived by his wife, six sons: Gene (Ann Marie) Killoren, Tim (Nancy) Killoren, Pat (Kris) Killoren, Mike (Marla) Killoren, Andy (LuAnn) Killoren, and Chris (Jamie) Killoren and daughter Kate (Steve) Luebke.
He was born on February 10, 1925 in Appleton, the son of Edward and Marie (Weiss) Killoren. He was an active lifelong member of St. Mary’s Parish in Appleton.Don left Appleton High School at the age of 17 to join the Navy, serving on the artillery mine sweeper USS Vigilance in the South Pacific during World War II. Returning to Appleton after the war, Don married the love of his life, Carol Marie Collins of Carter, Wisconsin on January 22, 1949. They recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary.
After several years living in North Dakota, Don returned to Appleton to work for the family business, Killoren Company. He was involved in multiple business ventures with bother-in-law and business partner, John Spalding. He was an entrepreneur and inventor who held US patents.
With John Spalding, they owned and operated K & S Game Farm in Shiocton. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting and fishing all over North America. Don was President of Poygan Land Company and a founding member of Winnegamie Wetlands Chapter of Ducks Unlimited as well as serving as a National Board Trustee of Ducks Unlimited and a Board Member of Wisconsin Wetlanders, Inc. Don worked closely with the Appleton Trout Unlimited in sponsoring events for disabled individuals.
He is survived by his wife, six sons: Gene (Ann Marie) Killoren, Tim (Nancy) Killoren, Pat (Kris) Killoren, Mike (Marla) Killoren, Andy (LuAnn) Killoren, and Chris (Jamie) Killoren and daughter Kate (Steve) Luebke. Twelve grandchildren: Noelle (Tibor) Paufler, Holly and Collin Killoren, Laura Killoren, Meghan (Dan)Wallace, Emily and Kasey Killoren, Nathanael (Ginna) Killoren, Paul and Daniel (Lexi) Killoren, Katie and Sean Killoren. Five great-grandchildren: Owen, Lauren and Noah Wallace, and Liam and Quinn Killoren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Eugene and Kenneth, his sister Patricia Spalding, and his grandsons Emmett and Kenny Killoren.
The Killoren family would like thank the Thedacare Hospice especially Paul and caregiver, Lea for their kind and caring support.
A memorial fund has been established in his name. A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Saturday, October 30.
