Wanda Ilene Kaelson 1921 – 2014
Wanda Ilene Kaelson
1921 – 2014
Wanda Ilene Martin Kaelson was born Jan. 16, 1921 in Freeport, KS and died Feb. 8, 2014 in Madison, AL. A breast cancer survivor, Ilene lived most of her life in Wichita, KS, and in the Seattle, WA area, but made her last home in Alabama near her daughters, Jan Wells and Terry Frakes. She is survived by her daughters, grandchildren Kim Wells Coleman, Jeff Wells, Ty Campbell, Renna, Darla, and Sarah Frakes, and great-granddaughters Gabrielle, Lauren, and Sophia Coleman. Ilene’s husband, Ken Kaelson and her sister Alice Pohlenz both preceded her in death. Married Apr. 9, 1943, Ilene and Ken met at KFH radio in Wichita where they both sang on the program Strictly Personnel. The program was sponsored by Cessna Aircraft, where Ilene tacked upholstery inside aircraft and fabric on wings in “Rosie the Riveter” style. Post-World War II, she and Ken owned and operated the Wichita Pleating and Button Company for many years before relocating to Seattle to work for The Boeing Company in the late 1960s. She was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Madison. No services are planned. Following cremation, Ilene’s ashes will be scattered in the Seattle area she loved so well.
