Kenneth J. Andersen, 73, of South New Berlin, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 27, 2010 at his home.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on December 24, 1936, Ken was the son of C. Joseph and Evelyn (Olsen) Andersen. He was a graduate of New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn and received his bachelor’s degree from Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. Ken earned both his master’s degree and doctorate from Syracuse University. He began his career as a research scientist working for the Batelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio where he was named Outstanding Scientist of the Year. Ken also worked at Johnson and Johnson in New Jersey before moving to the Norwich area during the early 1970’s to work at Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals. In 1981, he established Andersen Laboratories in Norwich and later became the laboratory director for his wife’s business, Chenango Valley Environmental Laboratories.
Ken was twice a past president of the Norwich Rotary Club where he was also a Paul Harris Fellow, past secretary and Assistant District Governor. He was a long time member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for all of his years there. During his leisure time, Ken loved to read.
On June 9, 1962, in Kinnelon, New Jersey, Ken married Judith G. Lamb, who survives. He is also survived by his two sons and their wives, David J. and Delfi Andersen of Norwich and Mark and Julie Andersen of Shreveport, LA; three grandchildren, Christina Andersen of Oxford, and Isabella and Nate Andersen of Shreveport and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Ralph Andersen.
Funeral services for Ken will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, March 5, 2010 at the Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor, officiating. Friends are invited to call at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in memory of Ken be made to The Rotary Foundation, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.
{ 16 } Comments
Dear Judy and Boys,
I am so sorry to learn of Ken’s passing. As you know, I have always had a soft spot in my heart for him. He was a special, kind and exceptional person. I shall miss seeing his smiling face at Rotary and around town. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kindest Regards,
Margaret Boice
Judy we are very sorry for your loss.
MIke
Mark, Julie and the Whole Andersen family;
The Schwab family of Rochester NY and many of your friends at Genentech are thinking of you all during this difficult time. Mark you have been a proud reflection of your father and family’s tradition of success through passion, hard work, and dedication. Our prayers are with you all.
Best Regards – The Schwab Family
Dear Judy and family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories from working at Andersen Laboratories long ago. Ken was a wonderful caring man. He would brighten up a room and lift my spirits every time he walked in smiling and said Hello. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers and I am truly sorry that I won’t be in town on Friday.
Wishing you God’s peace,
Jimmie Dunne
Judy – I always enjoyed reconnecting with you and Ken at Rotary functions. At future functions it will always feel like something is missing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope our paths cross soon.
Rowena
Mrs. Andersen, Mark, Dave and the extended Andersen family:
I was saddened when my brother Brian called me with this news. Mr. Andersen was a witty, friendly, kind hearted man. I’ll always be thankful to him for putting my mind at ease about my drinking water I thought was contaminated. We shared a few jokes over that but needless to say his assurance eased my mind.
Warmest regards,
Sheri (Loomis) Fowlston
Dear Judy, David and Mark,
Words can not express how sad and shocked I was to see Kens name in the Evening Sun. He will always be a special memory of laughter, wit and kindness for anyone that knew him. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you.
Donna Davison Loughren
This gentleman was not only a fine scientist, but a very large man with his generosity, kindness and love of life. I exchanged greetings with Ken, seems only a few days ago; we had some laughs per usual.
God Bless Ken; may the Lord hold him in the palm of his hand.
The Manleys
Dear Judy,David,Mark; My heart goes out to you on your loss.Be sure to let me know if i can do anything to help you all now and in the future. Ray
Dear Judy, Dave & Mark
Gloria and I want to convey our deepest sympathy to you. Ken will be missed by all of us that knew him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance.
Randy & Gloria
Dear Judy and Family,
Needless to say I was shocked and had trouble believing when Judy called to let me know of the death of my best friend. Ken will always be in my thoughts when ever I think of my younger days in Brooklyn and Syracuse. Judy,if there is anything I can do to help you through this rough time,please let me know.
Love always,Fred
Dear Aunt Judy, David & Mark, & family:
I was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Uncle Ken. Please accept my sincerest sympathy and may your grief be eased by the many fond memories you hold close in your heart. Thinking of you….
Love & hugs, Val
Judy, David, Mark and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was a wonderful, happy, friendly man, with a big heart. I know his presence in the Broad St. choir will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time.
With warmest regards,
Suzanne
Mrs A, Dave and Mark,
I am so sorry to hear that Mr A passed away unexpectedly. I feel doubly blessed to have been able to seen him while on a trip to Ft Drum in October of last year.
Sincerely,
David Worthen
judy im so shocked at the loss of ken he was a very nice man. i always enjoyed it when you came into the ontario. if there is anything i can do for you let me know.
We are sorry. God loves you and so do we.
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