Kenneth Kaisler

Major Kenneth Leonard Kaisler, retired USAF, passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 10, 2011.

Born in Wisconsin, Ken graduated from Washington High School in 1950 with a desire to become a lawyer. He began his college career at Marquette University while working the night shift at the Merita Bread Company. Fate and the Korean War intervened and Ken soon enlisted in the Air Force. While stationed at a Texas air base, he met and married Houstonian Minnie Christine Schuetze. Ken and his new bride were soon transferred to Tokyo, Japan where he trained and served as a navigator during Pacific weather reconnaissance flights.

After returning stateside, the military offered Ken the opportunity to obtain a college degree while training for a pilot license. He eventually earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University, an MBA in business from Florida State University, and the experience of flying numerous military planes.

During the 1960s space race, Ken was transferred to Patrick Air Force Base where he served as an Air Force Range Safety Officer during the Mercury Program, Gemini Program, Apollo Program, and over half of the Space Shuttle Program. He also served on an international safety advisory committee during the Cassini Project and more than once traveled to the White House to brief various high-ranking political and military personnel.

On a more personal level, Ken's nickname was Papo. This name was given to him by his first grandchild, Lauren, when she had trouble pronouncing Grandpa or Papa. His favorite hobby was golf. Forever the safety engineer, Ken had a habit of always checking his coffee pot to ensure that it was unplugged whenever he left the house. Ken was of German/Austrian/Italian descent and it was his mother-in-law, Olga Schuetze, that taught him to make German potato salad. Ken always enjoyed a beer with his bratwurst.

Ken is survived by his two daughters and sons-in-law, Kendra and Mark Sestile and Karen and Gary Humphreys. His grandchildren include Lauren Loy, Ryan Sestile, Zachary Humphreys, Austin Humphreys, and Rebecca Humphreys.

A memorial service will be held at the North Brevard Funeral Home and Crematory on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary donations to VITAS Hospice Care, 2201 Lucien Way, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751.