Kenneth “Ken” Eugene Isensee, 65, of Olathe, Kansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at home, surrounded by his family, after a 4 month battle with Mesothelioma.
He was born December 15, 1946 in Lima, Peru where his parents, the late Frank & Elsie Isensee, were Missionaries.
He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves in 1963 and then served in active duty from 1965 to 1967 with 2 tours of duty off the coast of Vietnam.
He was married October 22, 1967, to Darlene Knott in Springfield, MO. They just celebrated 45 years of marriage with family and friends just over a week ago.
He retired from Burlington Northern – Santa Fe Railroad where he worked for over 30 years.
Ken loved playing and coaching softball. One of his highlights in his life was coaching his softball team, the Central Assembly Classics, to the Nationals. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and was an avid KU fan (or anyone who played against Texas).
He loved spending time with his 4 granddaughters. They could count on him to be at every play, musical, concert, cheer competition, softball game or horseshow to cheer them on.
The spirit and stories of Indian Bill will forever live on with them.
He has been an active member of Southwest Community Church for over 12 years.
In his last days, he was still reminding his family to laugh and love life. He enjoyed watching his family panic in his last days by “playing dead”.
Survived by :
His wife, Darlene Isensee, Olathe, KS
Daughter, Lori Hutchings and husband Bryan, Springfield, Missouri
Daughter, Kendra Meeker and husband Danny, Olathe, Kansas
Granddaughters, Ashley Illum (21) of Springfield, Missouri;
Brooklyn Meeker (18), Kaysie Meeker (15), and Baylie Meeker (12) of Olathe, Kansas
Mother, Elsie Isensee Hill of Taylor Ridge, Illinois
Sister, Margie Briscoe and husband Steve of Taylor Ridge , Illinois
Brother (best friend) Robert Hicks of Jacksonville, Florida
Preceded in death by his dad, Frank Eugene Isensee Jr.
The Patriot Guard will be leaving Olathe, Kansas on Monday morning, Oct. 28th, at 8am and escorting his body to Greenlawn Funeral Home East, 3540 E. Seminole, in Springfield, Missouri. They should arrive in Springfield around noon.
Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 6pm-8pm on Tuesday, October 30.
Funeral services will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 11am.
Full Military honors and graveside service to follow at The Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
Service will be officiated by Dave Roever,
Pallbearers will be his sons in law Danny Meeker and Bryan Hutchings, best friend Robert Hicks, and his cherished close friends Bob Moses, Don Rushing, Charlie Dyerson, Glen Meeker, and Phil Colbaugh
The family wishes to thank Olathe Hospice for their support and care over the last few weeks.