Kenneth Kirchner

Born on June 23, 1949, to Robert and Phyllis Kirchner, Ken grew up on a farm in the small town of Cashton, Wisconsin, alongside his siblings Karl, Kim, Kay, Kelsey, and Kris. (Yes, that’s a lot of K’s!) As the second eldest of six, in a home known for its quiet fulfillment of responsibilities more than its raucous play, he developed a solemn independence fueled by insatiable curiosity…and an unnervingly dry sense of humor.

When Ken came of age, he pursued his passion for knowledge at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, majoring in Physics, and later advanced courses in Computer Science—both areas setting a solid foundation for a career that blended science, innovation, and an ever-inquisitive mind.

Ken entered the next chapter of his life by joining the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of Captain and serving as an Electronics Warfare Navigator in the backseat of the formidable F-4 Phantom. Stationed at Minot Air Force Base, he later finished his service with the Air National Guard’s “Happy Hooligans,” an outfit with a name that suited him. Those who knew him best loved hearing his tales of flying, including a particularly mysterious encounter with a UFO/UAP and another where he managed to open neighborhood garage doors with the signal jamming frequency they were using during a practice mission. Ken was not one for exaggeration and no matter how outlandish his stories sounded, he would share the truth of what he experienced, and let others come to their own conclusion.

In 1980, he moved to Colorado, where he built a career at Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site as a manager of research and development. Here, his technical prowess was used to develop an advanced barcode system for tracking nuclear chemical waste. Unfortunately, the same compounds would unknowingly impact his health. Work, however, was only a fraction of what defined Ken. His life was a collection of passions from woodturning to writing (with five published novels on Amazon under the pen name of “Kendrick E. Knight”), watercolor painting to quilting, and flying remote-controlled planes to 3D printing. He was the definition of a true Renaissance man—never without a project, idea, or story to tell.

On September 15, 1990, Ken married Rosemary Berg, adding to his passions a lifelong partnership filled with laughter, love, and memorable travel adventures. While not outwardly emotional, his family eventually wore him down with affection and he provided unwavering support through selflessly sharing his knowledge, time, skills, and infinite patience. Ken was a proud father to Karmen, caring stepfather to David (Kirsten) and James (Nicole), and sage-like grandfather to Kaleb, Skyler, Victoria, Kaitlyn, Emily, Allyson, and Jacob.

While Ken now takes his final flight after 16+ years battling cancer, he joins his parents and sister beyond the horizon. Ken has left his indelible mark on those of us whose lives he crossed. And though he may be gone, his stories—both the ones he told and the one he lived—will continue to be shared, remembered, and cherished. He, at last has his wings again. Until we meet again, Ken!