Kenneth D. Wise, 83, of Urbana, passed away at 11:31 p.m. Friday, June 4, 2010 with the official time listed at 1:10 A.M., Saturday, June 5, 2010 at his residence in Urbana.

Graveside services will be held 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 10, 2010 at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM, Wednesday evening at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana.

Kenny was born October 9, 1926 in Champaign, a son of Ora and Nellie (Goss) Wise. He married Betty Lou (Barcus) Wilcoxen on July 28, 1954 in Urbana. She preceded him in death on March 26, 1997. He was also preceded by his parents, older sister, Lorraine Lose, twin brother, Keith H. Wise and Step-Son, Michael Dale Wilcoxen.

Survivors include daughter in-law, Meryle Wilcoxen, Iron Mt., MI, granddaughter, Robin Michelle Wilcoxen (James) Nelson, Champaign, grandson, Kenneth Michael Wilcoxen, Denver, Co, niece, Colleen Smith, Emigsville, PA, six great grandchildren, including, Maegan and Kaylin Wilcoxen and their mother, Dawn (John) DuBose of Everette, WA, Betty's niece and nephews, Sharon Horney, Urbana, Merle E. :Gene" Heath, Champaign, Tim (Caron) Heath, Urbana and their respective family's who loved him dearly.

Mr. Wise served in the United States Army during World War II. He earned an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Army of Occupation Medal in Japan; he drove an amphibious vehicle during the landing on Okinawa.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Urbana.

Kenny managed 101 Auto Ranch in Urbana from date of opening to the date of closing; he had many certifications as a mechanic and retired in 1988 from the University of Illinois as Sub Foreman for the south garage.

He enjoyed working in the yard and was noted for his rose bushes. One year he had a red rose that was 6 inches wide; he received the nickname Computer Geek after the death of his wife, and was a breakfast regular at Bob Evans with his friends. Kenny enjoyed being with family and friends and always wanted to be helpful. He will be greatly missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made to Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation: 8330 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114-2000, Alzheimer's Association (Champaign) or Carle Hospice.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.