Kenneth "Ken" W. Chilson

Kenneth "Ken" W. Chilson, 89, passed away Tuesday morning, August 29, 2023 at his home while under hospice care.

He was born in Buffalo County on September 7, 1933, the second child of Melvin and Lucy (Weiss) Chilson.  He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1951.  He attended night school at the technical college and then started working as a bookkeeper at a Durand car dealership.  It wasn’t too long until he started selling cars for another Durand car dealer.

Ken always had a love of cars.  While he enjoyed working at the Durand car dealership, his dream was to own his own dealership.  In 1960 his dream came to fruition when he purchased a dealership in Osseo, Wisconsin.  Soon after, he went into partnership with his brother, Bernard Chilson.  In 1962 they moved the dealership to Eau Claire.  Ken retired from the dealership in 2009. One of Ken’s great joys was “talking cars” with his customers, employees, friends, and family. 

For many years, Ken was an active member of Toastmasters.  Ken was selected to be on several dealer advisory boards.  This gave him the opportunity to represent dealers’ concerns and ideas in the franchises for American Motors, Chrysler, and Subaru.

Ken cared for his parents in his home for many years until the time of their passing.  On February 28, 2003, he married the love of his life, Lili Chilson, and welcomed into his life Lili’s daughter, Shiyao Li.  Ken and Lili lived in Eau Claire for the rest of Ken’s life.  He was a long-time member of Immaculate Conception Church in Eau Claire. He also enjoyed traveling and his family made many trips to China.

 Ken is survived by his wife, Lili, his step-daughter, Shiyao, his sister Dorothy (Chilson) Weisenbeck, his brother, Bernard Chilson (Sue) and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marion (Chilson) Drier, his brothers-in-law, Cyril Weisenbeck and Lyle Drier, and his niece Kathy (Drier) Mayer.

The family thanks Safe @ Home, Serenity Care Agency, Home Companions, and St. Joseph Hospice for their loving care that enabled Ken to stay in his home until he passed.  Additional thanks go to Christina Ho, a dear friend of Lili’s.  As Ken’s illness progressed, Christina lived in the Chilson house to help Lili with the care-taking tasks.  Also thanks to Al Weisenbeck, Ken’s nephew, who provided much assistance in caring for Ken and for managing the care teams.

Ken lived a long and fruitful life, a life of faithfulness, adventure, and kindness.  He will be sorely missed.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 am on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Father Francis Thadathil officiating.  Visitation will take place Wednesday September 6, 2023 at Hulke Family Funeral Home from 3-7 pm.  There will be a prayer service at 7 pm on Wednesday evening to conclude the evening's visitation.  There will be no visitation Thursday morning at the church prior to the service.  Private family committal service will take place at the Holy Rosary Cemetery in Lima, WI. To view the service virtually please use the link provided  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsDc1NP_PItBX6sVMCDqong

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Ken's name to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.