Roll Call Tribute

Kenneth James Wilson 

July 17, 1941 - February 20, 2025 

Kenneth James Wilson was born in Moscow, Idaho to John Andrew and Marjorie Kress Wilson, and grew up in Austin, Texas, with his younger brothers, Steve and Chris. A proud graduate of Austin High School class of 1959, Ken’s athletic talent earned him a football scholarship to Texas A&M University. His academic journey took a circuitous route through the University of Texas and Texas State before he returned to A&M for his PhD in Biochemistry. During this time, he served honorably in the National Guard although his irreverence got him into trouble on numerous occasions, resulting in KP duty where he honed his potato peeling skills.

Ken’s adventurous spirit and keen intellect took him around the world, first to Israel’s Weizmann Institute, then to the University of Zurich, where he spent eleven years as a researcher and professor. There, he met his wife, Verena, and started a family. In 1982, he moved to the Bay Area to work at Cetus before joining Applied Biosystems in 1984. Recognized for his steadfast integrity, bold leadership and high standards while demanding excellence and leading with heart, he rose quickly to Senior VP of Research & Development, playing a key role in genetic instrument development and the Human Genome Project.

After retiring in 2000, Ken and Verena returned to Austin, where he enjoyed a leisurely life of golf, fishing, reading, painting, collecting art and travel, but he had a strong desire to give back and soon Ken was diving into new challenges. From 2005 to 2015, he and his wife spent several months each year volunteering in Cambodia, where Ken established two chemistry labs at the University of Phnom Penh, mentoring and teaching scientific experimentation and critical thinking to the students. They established an endowment at Texas State University to promote collaborative research, teaching and outreach in developing countries that are economically underserved in higher education. These endeavors were among the most rewarding chapters of his life.

Ken’s many talents topped with smart-witted humor made him unforgettable. Whether standing up for others, playing a prank on his golfing buddies or making sushi for friends and family from a fresh catch, he was admired and loved. Above all he was a proud dad to his three sons and Opa to eight grandchildren, who will always remember him fondly.

Ken is survived by his wife of 52 years, Verena; sons Philipp (Tanya), Eric (Rana), and Mark (Amanda); grandchildren Tea, Kai, Leo, Nya, Liam, Adaline, Jack and River, his brothers, Steve and Chris, along with their families.

The Wilson family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers from Hospice Austin, the Lighthouse, Bright Horizons, The Gathering, and the many friends and neighbors who supported Ken through his journey. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the spring.