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Condolences for


Mr. Eglinton was my wrestling coach in 1975 and 1976 at Onalaska High School. Very caring and understanding man who helped me through difficult times. I often think back to a time when Mr. Eglinton stood by me as a coach and friend. So sorry to hear of his passing.
From Bob Owens

Dearest Sally, I'm writing this from an Island near Sioux narrows in Ontario Canada. Available wi-fi at my host's summer home! I was saddened to learn of Ken's passing and just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and praying that you and your family will find comfort in God's unfailing Grace and loving care. Until we meet again in person, I will hug you via cyberspace❤️! Doug
From Doug Huggett

Dear Sally, I am sorry to hear of your loss. You and Ken were so kind to visit my dad in the nursing home. My mother was so thrilled that you reached out to them. Now it is your turn to be the receiver. I'm sure many want to reach out to you as you have to them in the past. We pray for your peace, acceptance and resolve in these difficult times. God Bless!
From Diane (Olson) Kishel

Some of my fondest memories from high school were from shop class with Mr Eglin ton! He was amazing the things he taught me then I still use every day almost 15 years later. I always think of him and say thanks every time someone comments on a project I have just finished. To the family thanks for sharing him with me and may the memories you have bring you comfort. He was a great man!
From Willa (Klankowski) St. John

My sympathies to your family. He was a good man, great teacher, he made school fun!!
From Heidi (Gallagher) Prentice

Sally,my thoughts are with you. Mr ALLL
From Henry Aronson

The last time I saw Ken was at my Nephew Tony Felten graduation party at his Mother and Dads home in Caledonia. When we were younger and had family visits at his parents home on the farm and we would do different things. I give my condolences to Sally and children. Oh I do remember that he was a pallbearer at my dad's funeral in 2004. He seem very good at that time and I didn't that we were only 2 years apart in ages. I give my condolences to Sylvia, Betty Joe, and your family and forgive me for not rembering Ken's younger sister. As your daughter Sally is next door to were I live about 8 to 9 miles. Again condolences to your whole family and from my family.
From Wayne R. Ranzenberger

Thanks for keeping me posted on Ken. I hadn't seen him much in recent decades. Once, in the early nineties, my mother, getting wind that Sandra and I would be visiting Houston, planned a little welcoming party; she invited relatives and a few friends, including Ken and his wife. There was a special link between Ken and my parents, particularly my dad. They knew relations between Ken and his parents were often strained. My father had been badly served by his father. That may have led to a deeper than usual feeling for Ken Sometime around 1960, my parents purchased another bus, a Dodge 52-passenger, if memory serves. If my parents would drive it back from the factory in Lima, Ohio, they would receive a sizeable discount. Of course, we went and my dad thought Ken might enjoy the trip, so we invited him along. We had a good trip, took the train to Chicago, switched trains for Lima and had a fine ride. While in Lima, my parents went off to pick up the bus and Ken and I wandered about the city, then spent the night in a nice hotel. The next day, we piled delightedly into the bus and drove off, deciding to head for Burlington, Iowa where an uncle, aunt and cousin lived. Burlington is built on a steep slope leading down to the Mississippi, making for an interesting city. We spent a couple of days there, exploring, then headed north for home. Driving that big bus was quite a thrill; I don't remember if Ken got behind the wheel or not; knowing my dad, he probably let Ken drive for a stretch. A pleasant and loving memory. You mention that Ken hid a generous heart behind a stern exterior. That what you say is true I have no doubt, but I don't remember experiencing that stern side of him. We teased each other a bit, I calling him Spud, he calling me Stretch, for example. I do remember his determination. Ken had no discernible athletic talent, but that didn't stop him from coming out for basketball, working hard at it, and practicing dutifully. And he got to play once in a while. Now, back to my mother's little party. Ken and I enjoyed the chance to converse; he teased me about my expanded waistline, making some welcome to the club jokes. All was going along well. Then, Walt Goede, long-time good friend, came up, patted Ken on the shoulder and said, "How's it going, Chowder!" Ken's face immediately changed from pleasant smile to boiling frown. His wife said, "Bad move, Walter." Walt was nonplussed, "But, that's what we always used to call him." She responded that that was his father's favorite insult for Ken. I don't remember if Walt apologized or merely stood there stunned. But the conversation resumed. That may be the only time I saw that stern exterior you mention. I've missed him over the decades and will continue to do so. Tex
From Gale "Tex" Vathing

Eglinton family, I am so sad to hear the news about WK. He was such a great guy both in the classroom and out. When I am with classmates and we are talking about the good old days, whose name comes up? You betcha, WK. So many great laughs and memories. He was a man who would always have a life lesson to share with us and at the time, probably did not mean as much. I look back and I can say, that is what WK was talking about. He was the one of the most encouraging people I have had the honor to know. What a wonderful man! You are all in my thoughts an prayers!
From Pickle

I did not know William, but work with his son Casey and if William was anything like his son, he indeed was a great, caring man that I am sure will deeply be missed. You have my whole hearted sympathy and condolences Eglinton family.
From Wendy Brownell

Sally and family, We were so saddened to take notice of Ken's death. We wanted to relay our concerns for you and Tom remembers well you as a student and a student worker at UW-L. Be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless!
From Tom and Lois Wirkus

Sally, I am so sorry for your loss. Ken and you were so special to the Class of '67. He is gone much too soon. You & your family are in my prayers.
From Carol Amann Reichhoff, Onalaska Class of '67

I became friends with "WK" when he was the OHS Junior Class advisor in 1970. I've been staying in touch since then - 46 years of cards and visits with Ken and Sally. We've shared the high points (and some low ones) of our lives. I will miss that feisty stubborn guy with the heart of gold. Sally, Shannon and Casey, what a guy to remember.
From Pam (Paroubek) Fields

Sally & family, So sorry for your loss! Ken was a kind, patient teacher who has taught several of our kids! They all loved him! Please know you are in our thoughts & prayers! Wishing you much strength & peace in the coming days!
From Bob & Pat Lemke

I'm sorry for your loss. Blessed are those who rest in His arms.
From Sonja Moe

We are so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure getting to know Mr. Eglinton at the kids birthday parties. We hope that you find peace in your memories!
From Debbie, John Weier & Family

William Kenneth Eglinton came to Houston High School in 9th grade and I have been friends with him since. His classmates called him Ken or Spud. He told us he would be living in Ireland but for the potato famine. These classmates expressed sympathy for Ken's condition and his passing: Norma Frickson Frank, Kathryn Kragness, Sharon Wood Inglett, Barbara and Roger Gordon. Ken was known to many people for his stubbornness, but those who knew him well saw something deeper. He had a kind heart that he rarely showed except to those he knew well. Here is an example of his kindness. Selmer and Sharon Tweten came to visit Ken in the care center in La Crescent after his first stroke. Ken was not always making sense. So when he told them that I had been there earlier that day, they wondered. Then he told of a time when he and I hauled a load in the dead of winter. They didn't know about this either. But Ken had shared a memory of a trip he and I made in 1961. We took a truck from Houston to St Paul, loaded it with furniture and drove to near Milwaukee arriving after midnight in blowing snow. We both wondered if we were going to make it through some of the drifts that slowed the truck to a near stop, but we did. We unloaded and returned to Houston the next day. Only a kind and adventurous friend would do such a thing. Ken, Sally, Sharon and Selmer were also there to help us when we came back to La Crescent from Colorado. Ken hid his kind heart behind a tough shell. He taught shop for many years. He kept high school students line and often guessed planned tricks before they could do them. However, the kids were his and he would see their potential and encourage them to express it. He saw the worth in others and helped them realize it for themselves. Ken continues to be my friend, but now I have to learn to commune with him in a different way - at my prayer altar. I join Ken's family and friends in celebrating a life well lived. Sally, we especially wish to support you at this time. Thank you for seeing the good in Ken all of these years, even though he may have been difficult at times. May God's blessings embrace you now and always.
From John Hempstead

Shannon, We are so sorry to hear about the sudden illness and passing of your dad. Our deepest sympathies to you and your entire family. In time, you will find comfort in all of your memories. He will never be forgotten. God's blessings to all of you.
From Celeste and Lance

Sorry for your loss. Mr. Eglinton was a great person and an awesome teacher. My sympathies goes to the family.
From Scott