Kenneth Frank Wilhelm was born on July 19, 1941, and passed away from complications of Parkinson’s disease on August 22, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, and accomplished healthcare executive.
Ken was the son of Albert Christian Wilhelm and Della Kienker Wilhelm and grew up on farms around Lu Verne, IA, with his fourteen siblings. After attending the University of Iowa for a year, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962 and served as a surgical technician at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, assisting in hundreds of surgical procedures. His military experience sparked a lifelong career in healthcare.
Following his service, Ken earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Missouri State College and a master’s degree in health care administration from Trinity University. He went on to spend more than three decades in healthcare leadership, serving as a hospital executive, CEO, and consultant for healthcare organizations throughout Michigan. His career was marked by his ability to strengthen organizations, build relationships, expand healthcare services, and improve access to quality care.
For more than 21 years, Ken shared his life with his wife, Susan Wilhelm. Above all else, Ken was proud of his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Wayne, Dennis, Burnis, Milton, Loren, Keith, and his sisters Lois, Arlene, Norma, Margaret, and Joan. He is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter Jennifer Disser and her husband, David, and their daughters, Anna and Tara; his daughter Kendra Montante and her husband, Tony, and their children, Enzo and Ava; his stepson Craig Sanborn and Jolie Winchester; and his stepdaughter Tara Clark, her husband, Todd, and their daughter, Bella. Ken is also survived by his brother, Ronald, and his sisters, Donna Day, Elaine Johnson, and Sharon McCormick.
Ken lived a full and accomplished life, from his Iowa farm roots and service in the Air Force to a distinguished career leading hospitals and healthcare organizations across Michigan. But his greatest legacy was his family and the life he built with those he loved.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Feeding America or the Parkinson’s Foundation. Services will be held on Saturday, September 5 at Calvary Church, located at 707 E. Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI. 49525. Visitation will be held from 10 – 11 a.m., funeral from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., burial at Chapel Hill Cemetery at 1 p.m., and a luncheon immediately following at Meijer Gardens.
5 Responses
Ken was such a bright light in our lives, full of wit, charm, and those unforgettable blue eyes. He was a steady role model and a true blessing for my mom, and I’m grateful he was able to pass peacefully at home. Some of my favorite memories will always be our beach days and watching him play with Bella in the pool. His generosity toward his grandchildren’s education showed the kind of man he was, always giving and always supporting. I hope he’s up there golfing, playing racquetball or tennis, moving freely and joyfully the way he would have if Parkinson’s hadn’t held him back. He deserved that kind of peace. 💙
A beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss, Kendra. Your dad left an amazing legacy.
Kendra, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Sue and Family he was an amazing man and will be missed by all 🙏🙏
Our hearts and prayers are with you. The Wilhelm Family has made a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation in memory of Ken.