03/29/2024
To all of Ken’s friends and family:
The light of my life, an avid outdoorsman and water sports lover, Ken had a way of bringing joy and sunshine into life. Always ready with a warm smile and a joke to brighten the day, Ken’s loving heart was open to everyone. Ken loved animals and was always bringing home a stray cat or dog to stay. When we lived on a pond, he became the duck whisperer with a flock of ducks following him around the backyard. He fed the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks along with the occasional fox. He lent a helping hand to anyone who asked. He served his country willingly and with great pride. He served a tour of duty in South Korea in Communications during the Vietnam War.
With great sadness and a very broken heart, I am writing to let you know that Ken passed away sometime in the early hours of 29 March 2024. He will be sorely missed for his laughter, his kindness, his wisdom and his loving ways. Ken was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth VanLieu, Sr., his mother, Helen, and his sister, Martha. I was proud to be called his wife.
Many of you may know that Ken had health issues that worsened beginning in September, 2019 with knee replacement surgery. He did not recover well from that surgery and was frustrated that the surgery limited his ability to participate in many of his much loved activities and hobbies.
Life is going to be much quieter, sadder, and drearier without Ken.
The Paulding County, Georgia Coroner has requested an autopsy since Ken’s passing was very unexpected. Following Ken’s wishes, current plans are for his cremation at a local funeral home (not yet selected) followed by a celebration of life to be planned for early Summer 2024. More to come on arrangements pending completion of the autopsy.
Please join with me in a few minutes of silence or prayer (as guided by your faith) to wish Ken well as he makes his way to heaven to join his heavenly family.
