Stephen K. Kilen, Janesville  (1948 - 2012)

May 25, 1948 - August 12, 2012
Stephen K. Kilen, age 64, of Janesville, died peacefully on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer. He was born on May 25, 1948, in Stoughton, WI, the son of the late Eilert M. and Ellen C. (Halverson) Kilen. After graduating from Madison East High School in 1967, Steve honorably served his country by joining the US Navy on June 1, 1967. While in the US Navy for almost 23 years, Steve served aboard the USS Wisconsin and, later, served as a Naval Recruiting Officer in Janesville. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 31, 1989. On April 17, 1971, he married Barbara A. Harris and together they had two children. He later married Julie A. (Mooney) Breidenstein in Madison on May 29, 2012.
Over the years, Steve worked as a manager in food service at the Rock County Sheriff's Department, drove bus for Van Galder Bus Co. and lastly worked for Wal-Mart in Janesville, Beloit, Ocean Springs, MS, and retiring from the Wal-Mart in Rockton, IL. Steve enjoyed fishing, cheering on the Packers, Badgers and Brewers, auto racing, playing cards and trips to the casinos. Steve is also very well known for his story telling, great sense of humor, and his care free personality. He was always willing to give of himself and his time to help others.
Steve is survived by his wife, Julie Breidenstein; and two children, Chris (Kristina) Kilen of Milton, and Julie (Ben) Reichelt of Milton; five grandchildren whom he adored: Gavin, Nayeli, Beau, Aiden and Olivia. He is further survived by his sister, Karen (Pat) Joyce of Cambridge, WI; the mother of his children, Barbara Pack; and two step-children, Jessica and Jeremy Breidenstein. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Katherine Sorenson.
Memorial services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, at the WHITCOMB - LYNCH - ALBRECHT FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, with Rev. Jerry Amstutz officiating. Full Military Honors provided by Kienow Hilt Post #1621 will follow the service. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:30 p.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Burke Lutheran Church Cemetery in Madison, WI. Memorials would be greatly appreciated if they were made in Stephen's name to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Wisconsin Chapter or the Janesville Salvation Army.
Whitcomb - Lynch - Albrecht Funeral Home
& Cremation Services, Janesville
21 S. Austin Road, Janesville, WI (608)752-2444
www.whitcomb-lynch-albrecht.com