Kenneth E. Wildhaber

Kenneth E. Wildhaber, age 88 of Highland, IL, died peacefully Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born on Saturday, June 20, 1936, in Highland, IL, the son of Elmer Robert and Susan (nee Senn) Wildhaber. On Friday, August 21, 1959, he married Lynn R. Wildhaber (nee Geppert) at the E & R Church in Highland, Illinois, who survives. Kenny was born and raised in Highland, IL. He graduated from Highland High School in 1954, where he was captain of the basketball team. Ken then went on to attend McKendree College where he continued to play basketball. After he graduated college, he started at Highland Middle School teaching and coaching basketball for 38 years. His teams had a 65% winning rate -- 582 victories against 311 losses. Ken filled the trophy case with 34 championships during his long tenure from 1958-1996. Included in that total were 16 conference titles. In 2013, he was elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Assoc. Hall of Fame as a Career Coach. After retiring in 1996, Ken helped at school as a scorekeeper and substitute teacher. He and his wife were election judges for many years. Kenny and his wife loved nature, often going to watch eagles and other birds. He was very sociable and would often stop at what was once known as Handy Mart for Lynn’s icy Dr. Pepper and to chat with everyone. Kenny liked to attend stock car races and car shows. He enjoyed music and liked to listen to Aerosmith, Scorpions and Boston, like his daughter, but more recently he listened to country music. Ken liked to go to indoor soccer games and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Survivors include: Spouse - Lynn R. Wildhaber, nee Geppert, Highland, IL Daughter - Tanis Lynn (Kenneth) Wildhaber Pfoser, Lombard, IL He was preceded in death by: Father - Elmer Robert Wildhaber - died 7/17/83 Mother - Susan M. Wildhaber (nee Senn) - died 1/14/89 Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. A private graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Stray Rescue of St. Louis or the Basketball Museum of Illinois.

Kenneth E. Wildhaber

June 20, 1936 - May 24, 2025