After courageously battling cancer, on January 26, 2024, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin and friend to all, Kenneth “Worm” Wermeling departed this world on the wings of his angels. 

Ken was born in Kenosha on December 22, 1943 to Mabel (Gitzlaff) and Edward Wermeling, brother to Roger “Little Worm” Wermeling and father to Timothy Wermeling and the late Laurie Wermeling. And husband and soul mate of 27 years to Jacqueline (Velino) Wermeling.

Big Worm was known by many as the Player-Coach of City and Rotary Championship Dick’s Place and Tirabassi Softball teams of the 1960s and 1970s. As well, in Kenosha County in the 1980s for Kenosha County league and tournament stalwarts State Bank of Antioch and Furlan’s Dugout softball teams. 

Winters were for bowling and managing the legendary Rumors Lounge and Paddy O’s bowling teams along with brother Roger and cousin James “Jimbo” Gitzlaff and his buddies. Summertimes, Worm and Jackie mastered the art of pier and shore fishing – appearing multiple times on John Gillespie’s fishing show.

Worm originally ran the collegiate and hipster clothing section at downtown Kenosha clothiers Isermann Brothers out of Kenosha High School. After attending school at the University of Wisconsin Extension (Kenosha, WI), he settled into a long career in auto and marine lending including a three-decade career at State Bank of the Lakes (Antioch, IL). 

Ken retired as Assistant Vice President - Marine and Auto to a life of perfecting pier fishing and rustic road trips all over Wisconsin with his soul mate and wife, Jackie.

Ken’s title of note in retirement was “Grampa Worm” – proud and beloved grandfather to Tyson, Sofia, Lily, Chloe and Lucinda Wermeling, children to Tim; and to Elizabeth and Olivia Danilow, daughters to Tammy (Mitlevic) and Andrew Danilow; and step-son Michael (Shari) Mitlevic.

Jackie and family would like to express their utmost appreciation to the entire staff at Froedtert-St. Catherine’s Medical Center and the Hospice Alliance of Pleasant Prairie. 

A private family gathering will precede a celebration of life for friends at a time and place to be determined. Thank you ALL for your love and support.