Walter D. Kuykendall

EAST PEORIA – Walter Dean Kuykendall, 81, of East Peoria, died at 3:09 pm Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Kindred Hospital in Peoria, IL. Born on December 14, 1930 in Decatur, IL to Walter Lee and Addie Lee Nelson Kuykendall, he married Dorothy Rose Olson on November 5, 1950 in East Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 3 children; Susan (Eric) Benson of Washington, IL, Janice (Brad) Jorgenson of Chetek, WI and Scott (Renee) Kuykendall of Metamora, IL, 1 grandson, Benjamin (Tiffany) Johnson of Metamora, and 2 great-granddaughters, Rebecca and Nora Rose Johnson. He was preceded in death by his brother, Montegeau Nelson Kuykendall. Walter was a US Army veteran serving with the 313th Engineering Utility Detachment in Korea. He earned 2 Bronze Stars and the Korean Service Metal. As a teenager, Walt worked as a Pin Boy at Gillette Lanes in Creve Coeur and Bowlaro Bowl in East Peoria. He also played clarinet and toured in a band with Gene Robards and was a radio DJ for WMBD Radio, during his senior year with Junior Achievement. After his military service, he owned K Line Contractor in East Peoria and worked as a Master Plasterer for Woiwodie Plastering Co. in Manito, IL. Walter and his wife then bought West Plaza Lanes in Washington in January of 1965 and continued to be the owner/operator of Plaza Lanes until March of 2004 He served as a President of Young American Bowling Alliance and President of the Bowling Proprietors Association in Peoria, served as a Representative of the Illinois State Bowling Proprietors Association, and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Illinois State Youth American Bowling Alliance. Walter was active in activities with his children, including serving as Indian Princesses Leader for his daughter, Jan, and Boy Scout Troop Chairman for his son, Scott, and was a registered member of the Girl Scouts for more than 30 years. He was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame on October 17, 1985 for Meritorious Service. He also sponsored and announced for the Supersonic Synchronized Trick Team and was a Silver Level Certified Youth Coach, teaching other’s to be certified coaches. Walter was a member of the Chamber of Commerce in Washington and East Peoria for many years, was a member of the VFW Post #9016 in Washington, was a Shriner, and was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington. Services will be at 10 am Thursday, February 16, 2012 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington. Pastor Dick Hanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Cemetery in Washington, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army and the Tazewell Military Rites Team. Memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Building Fund. Walter’s memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com where condolences may also be sent to the family.

Walter D. Kuykendall

December 14, 1930 - February 12, 2012