January 2025
Rev. William A. Kucenski went to his heavenly home with Jesus on January 4, 2025, at the age of 98.
William Kucenski was born in Scranton, PA on October 31, 1926.
He was baptized on November 11, 1926.
When he was 16, an uncle took him under his tutelage and taught William the meat-cutter trade which served him well throughout his life.
He served in the U.S. Infantry during World War II as an infantryman and cook, earning the expert Infantryman badge, the marksman rifle M1, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.
He graduated from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN, in 1951 and from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, in 1957 where he earned a Master of Arts degree. In 1988 he earned his Master of Divinity degree.
He faithfully served his Lord at four parishes: St. Paul Lutheran Church, Evansdale, IA; Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hinckley, IL; St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Montgomery, IL; and Redeemer Lutheran Church, Peru, IL; as well as serving as Interim Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle, IL. He served as Circuit Counselor for 10 years during his ministry. He also sang in St. Paul’s choir for 20 years and served on the Senior Council.
He was dearly loved by Doris, his wife of 75 years, and his eight children and their spouses: Robert (Jean) Kucenski, Daniel (Susan) Kucenski, Michael (Diane) Kucenski, William II (Susan) Kucenski, Sharon (Steve) Watkins, Jeanne (Robert) Krumwiede, Joanne (Tim) Miller, and James Kucenski.
He was also dearly loved by his grandchildren and their spouses: Jennifer Kucenski, Stephanie (Scott) Lyle, Matthew (Lenny) Kucenski, Benjamin Kucenski, Joshua (Heather) Kucenski, Peter (Danielle) Kucenski, Anthony (Alma) Kucenski, Alexander (Laura) Kucenski, Andrew (Ruth) Kucenski, Megan (Uriah) Hawkins, Brian (Jenny) Watkins, Rachael (Peter) Farnum, Kristina (Paul) Farnum, Kathy (Brandon) Hein. Travis (Kristy) Wessels, Trenton Wessels, 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
Also missing him are his brother, Ernest Kent, a nephew David Black, and a niece, Diane (Pat) Dailey, as well as many other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Kucenski; his parents, Lona Lisowski and August Kucenski; his sisters, Alma Alteri, Ruth Strzelec, Eleanor Spear, and Lona Codick; his brothers, Leon Lisowski and Joseph Lisowski; three children, Stephen, Robert, and James Kucenski; and his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Clarence Black.
Funeral services will be held on January 18, 2025. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 63 Fernwood, Montgomery, IL 60538.
The funeral will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the church followed by burial at Lincoln Memorial Park in Aurora, IL.