Edwin N. Kjornes

Our Dad, Edwin N. Kjornes of Cazenovia/Janesville, passed away peacefully at the age of 91, Thursday, June 1, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and friends. One of ten siblings, Edwin was born February 25, 1926 in Janesville to Engebret Eivindsen and Gudrun Margrethe Dahlen (Simensen) Kjornes.  He graduated from Janesville High School and enlisted in the US Air Force.  Serving during WWII, he was stationed in England as an airplane mechanic. This is where he developed a passion for flying and acquired his pilot's license later in life, fulfilling a lifelong dream.  Flying with his late wife Priscilla, they would fly as far as California or just locally to visit friends and family.  Edwin worked as a contractor/carpenter all of his life in the Janesville area. He built many of the homes he, his wife, and his children lived in, including the farm house in Cazenovia, which he built at age 72. He also was a volunteer fireman for many years with the Turtle Creek township fire department.

Edwin is survived by his children: Tari Whitehead (Dennis), Paula “Tina” Kjornes (Rick Durst), Keith Kjornes (Marti), Claudia Twedt (Lloyd), 10 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren; stepchildren: Alan Gates(Jackie) and Kathy Chyzy; siblings Betty Oertel, Marion Mulligan, Carrie Rose (Dwayne), Sonja Dowdy, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dog Sadie.  He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife and mother of his children, Betty Lou, his cherished wife Priscilla, son Steve, grandson Justin, sisters Elinor and Ruth and brothers Gerald, Tom, Donnie.

A very special thank you goes to our sister Tina, Rick Durst, Taz “Jim” and Lisa McGlyn for their devotion and support given to Dad during this sorrowful time.

Our father’s stories, his values, and his appreciation of family all live on in us, leaving us with a wonderful legacy!  His children and their families send their love and prayers for the final flight home!

Memorial services with military honors provided by VFW Post 1621 will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 11 am at Milton Lawns Memorial Park on Milton Avenue, Janesville WI. Luncheon will be served following at the VFW-Post 1621, 1015 Center Avenue, Janesville, WI.