It's been over a month now since we lost you, and I think about you daily. Thoughts and memories pop into my head at the strangest times, and the tears start up again. We're taking care of Mom, and she and I talk about you most every day. We remember things you used to do, and things you were stubborn about! We laugh about some things, and cry about others. Mom doesn't cry as easily as I do, but I think it's good for her to let her tears fall sometimes. We know it was the right time for you to go, Dad, but we all miss you so much. We know you wouldn't have been happy here any longer, with your body breaking down the way it did. You wouldn't have been able to sit in your chair by the window, and watch the squirrels chase each other. You wouldn't have been able to spot my car as we drove into the parking lot each day for our visit. Old age is a cruel companion, and we know you are happy and healthy again in Heaven - leaving your worn out body behind. I miss you so much, Dad, and I long to hear your voice and see your blue eyes twinkle again. I know you're watching over us, and keeping a close eye on Mom - she misses you more than she'll say. I know we'll all be together again one day, and I look forward to holding your hand and giving you a big old hug! Love you, Dad. 

I was lucky enough to be one of Ken’s grandchildren. My grandma and grandpa moved to Ft. Collins when my family did so they could be around us and I’m so grateful that they did. My grandpa was an enormous part of my life growing up... from teaching me how to use a computer, helping me with math homework, coming to concerts and performances, and just showing me how it’s possible to find humor in everything. He often used the same few jokes with waiters/waitresses but they worked every time. He was an incredible grandpa, father, husband, and man. I’ll never forget when I was moving to CA for the first time, he gave me a big hug and said “I hope you find what you’re looking for.” Not sure why, but that meant the world to me. I will miss you Grandpa.

The Ken we knew was always friendly and soft spoken, with a gleam in his eye like he was putting something over on you.  Here is a message we find very fitting:
All of us who loved him can shed tears because he is not with us--or we can laugh remembering his wonderful sense of humor.
We can close our eyes and plead to have him back--or open our eyes and see his beautiful spirit that lives on through his family.
Our hearts can break because we cannot see him--or we can be joyful because we were able to know and love him.
We can cry, close our minds and embrace emptiness--or we can do what he would want: remember him with a smile, love life, and go on.
We cherish the memories of Ken and will miss him so much.

It was my honor to care for Ken and Esther. Ken had an infectious smile, his blue eyes had a way of dancing. And his famous saying "Bye for now" I was very fond of Ken and have come to love his family. Ken leaves his legacy, if you look for Ken, look in the eyes of his children and grandchildren, you will find him there. So Ken I will say Bye for now...
Betty Aragon-Mitotes 

Ken was my father. I was born in 1953 and my sister Sue came along three years later.  I remember jumping on my dad in bed on Saturday mornings before we ran off to watch cartoons and feeling his beard on my cheek. I learned to love reading when dad and I would drive downtown to the biggest Omaha library branch and I would head off to my favorite sections. He was the dad who took us out of the home and off on some aimless trip the night before Christmas and when we returned back home Santa had come and put all the presents around the tree while my mother was in some other part of the house!  She  always looked bewildered and couldn’t figure out what had happened and why she missed him! He advised me on my business decisions. He took me to buy used cars and told me always pretend you’re going to walk out mad and see what they do after you lowball price the car. He taught me how to fish by leaning over the water and saying egg foo yong coming up !!! I don’t think I’ve ever tried that as a dish to this day  because it’s what fish eat ! He was the dad who drove by Dairy Queen no matter how many times we kids screamed! There is an empty hole in the universe right now and I miss him very much.  

Grandpa was a rock for me growing up. He was a constant that was always there with a wink and a smile. He use to drive me to elementary school in the mornings. I thought he was magical because he could change all the red lights to green on the way! We'd be stopped at a light and he'd look at me, smile, and count to 5 in German and the light would magically turn green! 

I couldn't figure out how he did this for years. I would try it myself (learning to count in German) but I could never make the light turn green. Grandpa would just laugh and then magically turn it green for me. 

It took a long time for me to realize how he did it. Can you? 

I will always have a picture in my mind's eye of Ken presiding over family gatherings, the patriarch watching over everyone from his corner "throne" in the living room of the family home in Colorado.  He used to drive us around Fort Collins as we went to flea markets and garage sales with wife Esther as his co-pilot. He and Esther had senior living down to a science. They always knew where the best deals for seniors were to be had, whether it was McDonald's or IHOP; on senior discount days they would feast. Actually, feast does not exactly describe their dining out experiences since they mostly shared one entree. They were in such accord after so many years of marriage that both wanted to eat the same thing, so sharing was a viable option. The picture I took of them sharing a soft drink at Don and Millie's in Omaha says it all.
His kids and grandkids are a credit to the kind of man he was; a family man with traditional values that stood the test of time. I'm glad I got to know him when I joined the family as a daughter-in-law. He will be missed.

He raised two amazing kids - Sue (my momma) and Dave (lovingly referred to as Uncle Oz) and couldn't have done a better job and his impact on their lives will impact the world through everyone they touch in life - they all will get a little of his knowledge and kindness he instilled in his children. 

He was the most amazing husband anyone could ask for to his wife Esther - 65 years together married and they were never apart - side my side for all those years - a true testament to marriage, true love, and what it means to be a husband. If I turn out to be half the man he was I will consider myself lucky. 

Our family is going to miss him so much but we know he's moved onto a better place. He saw all there is to see in this world after 97 years and was ready for the next chapter. I know God will have a special place reserved for him - probably put him in charge of remembering birthdays or calculating daylight savings equations or remember exactly when dinner should be served or doing the universes taxes or something important ;-). 

But he's comfortable now - standing tall as his young handsome self and in no pain or discomfort and knowing that now he can get back to doing what he was born to do - watching over all of us and being the patriarch of our family from above till we meet again one day. 

They say a grandfather is someone you can look up to - no matter how tall you get. Well I sure looked up to mine and I am going to miss him more than words can say. Love you grandpa - thanks for helping form and mold me into the man I am today - rest in peace g-pa! I promise to do my best to live like you taught and will look over our family down here.

One of the greatest men I will ever know passed away. My grandpa Ken Osborn was 97 years old and passed away peacefully with my mom, his son Oz, and his wife Esther all holding his hand. He was like a second father to me - helping raise me when I was young while my parents both worked. Before school, lunches, after school - we spent almost every day of my youth together. 

He taught me a lot of what I know about life and is someone I've always looked up to. He ignited my passion for computers and technology (although I become a PC guy and he loved Macs) and showed me how to love the game of golf - we would often go out golfing together and he'd never judge me for hitting the ball out of bounds and almost pegging the softball players nearby in the head. He fought in WWII as a lead machine gunner on the lead jeep on patrols. His unit once ambushed a convoy of Hitlers generals and almost ended the war - a tribute to his bravery and that of his unit stands tall in Colorado Springs. 

He worked for the IRS for the rest of his days after coming home from Europe -- although he retired before ever being able to get me a tax break. He moved from Iowa to Nebraska and then eventually followed my folks and us out to Colorado so he could always be close to the kids. He was always there for our family - a pillar, cornerstone, and rock! He could remember everyone's birthday - even people not in his immediate family. He was a math whiz and an avid reader (sometimes multiple books per week although he would admit later in life he would speed read past some parts). He always had something smart or funny to say and loved joking around with us kids. He always had some life lesson to teach us. 

It's been a week since we lost you, Dad, and we are missing you so much. We know you're healthy now, standing tall, walking and running without any pain once again. By now you've been reunited with your Mom, Dad, and three sisters. I'll bet there is lots of hugging and tons of laughter being shared.  
We were so lucky to have you for so many years, Dad, but we sure do miss you! We think of you every day, and it makes it a little easier knowing you are watching over us. You were always a great Dad, and you taught us to be honest, fair, and to help others.  You showed us what is was to be responsible, to make wise choices, and to carefully think things through. 
You were also an amazing Grandpa to Danny, Kristina, and Jeff, and you taught them all about computers, how to play golf, and how to hold the pool stick in just the right way when playing  pool. You could always be counted on to help all of us as kids with math homework - even if we still couldn't understand the equations!
You and Mom were a devoted couple for sixty-six years which included making a home together, raising kids, navigating jobs and careers, and weathering the ups and down that life brings with it. You two started out as a young starry eyed couple in love, and still remained devoted to each other through the wrinkles, age spots, and failing body parts. You two loved each other through all of those many years together, right up to your very last breath. 
We will all love you and miss you forever, Dad, today, tomorrow, and always. 


OBITUARY

Kenneth W. Osborn

November 23, 1921 – January 4, 2019

Allnutt Funeral Service – Drake Road Chapel

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