Kenneth Albert Kaiser
March 7, 1947-October 10, 2024
Kenneth Albert Kaiser was born on March 7, 1947, in Yankton, South Dakota. He was the son of Albert and Johanna (Lubbers) Kaiser. He graduated from Yankton Senior High School in 1967. After high school, Ken began working for the Freeman Company as a Machinist. Ken would frequently take his break at the Sunshine grocery store next door. This is where he met the love of his life, Joann Rokusek. The couple married on July 20, 1968.
During this time, Ken also enlisted in the Navy. He was a Boiler Specialist on the USS Joseph Strauss from 1968-1970. Ken spent time in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Singapore, and patrolling off the coast of Vietnam. In 1972, listening to advice from his cousin, Ron Kaiser, Ken and Joann moved to Omaha, Nebraska in search of additional career opportunities. He worked at Control Data / Seagate Technology, Vickers Corporation, and Midwest Screw Products during his working years. The couple had two children: Jeff and Todd. Ken enjoyed coaching basketball, being the team taxi, participating with fielding and batting practice, building a treehouse, taking his kids boating, fishing, to July 4″ firework shows, and to the annual Offutt Air Force Base Air Show. He liked helping his kids with projects at their houses.
After Jeff and Todd were married, Ken and Joann welcomed six grandchildren. Ken enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He frequently picked them up from school, took them to swim lessons and other appointments, helped with homework, and cheered them on during their sporting events.
He was an expert at watching TV from his recliner and would often click through TV stations until he landed on a car show or an episode of American Choppers. He was proud of his ’57 Chevy and Harley Davidson. In his spare time, Ken enjoyed fishing, tending to his wood pile, and spending time with cousins and friends over coffee at Burger King.
He was extremely proud to be a Veteran and appreciated the sacrifices others before and after him have made for our country.
We will forever carry his memory in our hearts.
Ken is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joann; son, Jeff (Lisa) Kaiser; son, Todd Kaiser; grandchildren: Kaylee, Jack, Ava, Austin, Brianna, and Christopher; brother, James (Dianne) Kaiser; sisters-in-law: Betty Vetch and Darlene Rokusek, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Johanna Kaiser; sister, Mary Kaiser; father and mother-in-law, Alvin and Helen Rokusek; and brother-in-law. Bob Rokusek.
Memorials can be directed to the family for a donation to be made in his memory.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE AND INTERMENT: Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 2:30PM at Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha.
To view a live Broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “LiveCast” button at the top of the homepage.
6 Comments
God Bless Kenny and his family
Ken you will be forever missed and when I first meet you at our coffee. Hits I really enjoy your fellowship with all our coffee gang. Also I remember when I had my knee put in and you brought me out some krispy kream doughnuts that was so thoughtful of Ken. But that’s what kind of individual he was. My thoughts and prayers go out to the wife and family rest in peace Ken. You’re in good hands now.
I met Ken when we were both in Brookstone several years ago, and developed a great relationship with Ken at that time. Was asked later after our release, if I wanted to join a group of guys for coffee with him, and became very good friends with Ken and his coffee group friends. In fact a band of brothers I never had before. My condolences to Ken’s family on your loss, and a the great loss of a cherished friend to me.
Our deepest sympathy to Joann and the boys.
Ken you are so very missed. Eternity is a long time, but friends are friends forever. My thoughts and prayers are sent to all of your precious family. I’m thankful for your friendship and fellowship.
You will be missed!!!!!
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