Timothy Norman Taft, 63 of Kenosha, WI passed away on May 22, 2023, in San Antonio, TX surrounded by his loved ones.
Timothy better known as Tim to his family and friends was born on April 27, 1960, in Zion, IL, to Roy and Viola (Kulbeck) Taft. Tim was the youngest of 5 children. During Tim’s childhood he played baseball, basketball, football and ran track. He enjoyed playing sports as a child, he always told stories of being a hurdler and being really fast. What Tim enjoyed the most growing up was going on vacation with his family every summer to camp at Leesome Lake. These vacations were enjoyed by multiple Taft families and the memories were shared for many years. Tim graduated from Zion Benton High School in Zion, Illinois in 1978. He married soon out of high school and had his first son, Jason in 1979. Soon after he moved to San Antonio, TX where he had two more children, Erin and Alex. In San Antonio Tim started his career as a truck driver. Tim worked for Pepsi Co for many years. Tim enjoyed driving trucks so much that he spent 20 years driving 18 wheeler’s. Tim also started his own refrigeration company. That was short-lived due to Tim wanting to return to the home he loved so much, he moved back to his childhood home in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Tim found his way to Kenosha, WI where he settled and made it his home. Tim loved working with his hands and could fix almost anything. He made a career as a machine technician. Tim had a work ethic that he and his family were very proud of. Tim was a man of many hobbies which included playing board games, watching movies, playing poker, fishing and cheering for the Chicago Bears and The Chicago Cubs. Tim was a very soft spoken man but later in life he loved Karaoke. Tim loved spending time with his friends and family, it made him happy. What brought Tim the most joy was his granddaughters. Tim had 5 granddaughters and was expecting his first great grandson in August. He spent his free time taking the girls to dinner and a movie. He also made every important occasion; recitals, talent shows, basketball games and graduations. Being a part of those moments was important to him. Tim was a man of honor and had the biggest heart. He had a great sense of humor and was always happy. His smile warmed the hearts of many. Tim will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his children, Jason (Maria Flores) Taft of Racine, WI, Erin (Kareem) Dortch of San Antonio, TX, and Alexander (Makeda) Taft. His grandchildren, Madison Taft, Daniela Taft, Na’lliyah Mulkey, Jay’da Mulkey, Secora Taft. Step grandchildren included Kandon Dortch, Alexis Dortch, Jaden Lee, Yashawn Lee and Orel Lee. Great-grandchild due in August; Shawn Timothy Taft-Smith, and Sister Linda Lapham, nieces and nephews and many cousins. Tim was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Viola Taft, and his brothers, Dave, Don and Bill Taft.
A celebration of life will be held at Kenosha Funeral Services on Tuesday June 20, 2023, from 4:00PM-6:00PM.
