Kenneth Earl Kaiser, 74, passed away Monday, December 11, 2017. Kenneth was born on January 31, 1943 in Paw Paw, IL, the son of Earl Philip and Phoebe (Grunderman) Kaiser.
Ken was a 1961 graduate of Paw Paw High School and upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and served our country for four years as a Military Police Officer. After his service, he returned to his hometown of Paw Paw, Illinois and was soon hired by Northern Illinois University’s police department. He was employed as a patrol officer and worked his way through the ranks, ending his career as a Lieutenant Detective for the department. He attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA in 1974 receiving special training in criminal investigation over a three-month period. He retired in 1992 after 27 years of service to the department. Upon his retirement, Ken took on positions as a groundskeeper for both the Paw Paw and Earlville Country Clubs over a course of 14 years. This job suited Ken’s unmatched work ethic and dedication to the people of his community and its surrounding area. Ken was a dedicated member of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department as well as the American Legion Post #511 and the Paw Paw United Methodist Church.
Ken is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Kaiser, and one son, Danny (Katherine) Kaiser of Dwight IL, and a brother, John (Linda) Kaiser. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Valerie (Brian) Reed, Ryan Kaiser, Lindsay Kaiser, and Wesley Kaiser as well as one great-granddaughter, Kenlee Scarlet. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. His family was his pride and joy.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a son, Darrin, a brother Richard, and a sister, Marilyn (Ronald) Schmid.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at Paw Paw United Methodist Church, 370 Wiley Ave., in Paw Paw.
A funeral service will be 11 A.M. Thursday, December 14, 2017, at the Paw Paw United Methodist Church with Pastor Dave Holden officiating. Interment will follow in the Wyoming Township Cemetery.
Contributions in Kenneth’s memory may be directed to the American Legion Post 511. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
We are so sad to hear this news. Ken and your family made our time in Paw Paw very welcoming. He was always willing to lend an ear. Bess and I send our condolences to you and your family
Betty, I am so sorry to hear this sad news, he was a great guy & a wonderful friend, what a beautiful smile, love to you & your family…
My deepest sympathies to Betty and family. My heart breaks for you all. Ken was a wonderful guy and always had a smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Our condolences to the entire Kaiser Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Ken and I worked together at NIU PD for many years. I had a lot of respect for him.
We have had the privilege of joining the Kaiser Family over the past two years. When we met Kenny and Betty we knew how special their love and the love of their family was to them. We will definitely miss Kenny’s sense of humor and his big heart. We were so happy to see him walk our Daughter In Law Val down the aisle to marry our son Brian. It was a magical day and he really made us all smile and cry at the same time. We are forever grateful for his love and kindness. Sending our love to Betty and the entire Kaiser Family. Deepest Sympathies!
Betty and family My prayers and thoughts go out to you. Fond memories of our children growing up together.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was always happy to run into Ken at Casey’s or out and about during Labor Day weekend. He was one of the most kindhearted people I had the pleasure of knowing.
Our prayers reach out to Betty, Danny, family and friends. May the Lord comfort you all as Kenny begins his new eternal life with Jesus, Darrin and others he loves so much.
Kenny’s sacrifice to his country, community, and the work that he did, touched many people’s lives that will live on for years to come.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kaiser family. Kenny will be truly be missed!
So sorry to hear about Kenny. When Jenny and I first moved to Paw Paw, you couldn’t of asked for a friendlier person. Ken had such an infectious laugh that would make you feel so happy. Kenny, you will be missed. My deepest sympathy to the family. Hugs.
Uncle Ken was the best Uncle a niece could have. I loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. I’m so thankful that we were able to get together this past Labor Day weekend with the family. All the moments spent together will be cherished!
I am so sad to hear this news. Ken and Betty have been like second parents to me. I loved spending time with them whenever I had the chance.It was great to see him on Labor Day at the parade,and spending time just chatting. He will be greatly missed by everyone. If you guys need anything at all please let me know. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you in this time of sorrow.
I’ve been so sad all day. I grew up with Ken at ball games and when I was older was so honored to have him ask me to be on the Paw Paw Clinic Board with him, we laughed that it was only for my strong back but I was so touched he thought of me. These last few years I could always count on him to do what he could for the Legion, even when it became very difficult for him. I hope we send you off right on Thursday Ken, you will be missed.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to the family.
I am so sorry to hear this. We are thinking of your family at this difficult time.
I’m sorry for your loss. Growing up in Paw Paw I remember the family well.
I am sorry to hear about Kenny. He was a lifelong friend, and truly a fine man. My heartfelt condolences to your family.