Kenneth Christian Obituary

Kenneth Christian, age 67, late of Jackson Township and formerly of Plainfield, went peacefully to his eternal rest on Saturday, April 16, 2011, at his home with his loving wife Karen and sister-in-law Deana by his side after a 4 1/2 year heroic battle with cancer.

Ken was born on January 16th in Poplar Bluffs MO. His family moved to Plainfield in 1956, where he was a long time resident until September, 2000. He was a loving and devoted husband to Karen nee Kinzler and "PaPa" to their canine companion KiKi.

He is survived by his wife; three sons, Ken (Patti) of Overland Park, Kan., Kurt (Beth) of McKinney, Texas, and Kevin (Tammie) of Dexter, Mich.; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Andy, Jake, Vanna, Connor, Nicholas and Nathan Christian; mother-in-law Joyce (Bob deceased) Kinzler; brothers-in-law Michael (Deana) Kinzler, Ron (Alicia) Kinzler, Don (Sherry) Kinzler and Mary (Don deceased) Christian. Fond uncle of Ryan, Tyler, Jordan, Rogan, Blane, Steff, Dalton, Dan and Dawn.

Preceded in death by his parents Ken and Irene Christian, one brother Don, father-in-law Bob Kinzler, paternal and maternal grandparents, aunts and uncles and his canine buddy Kacey.

Ken started out at ComEd as a meter reader and then moved up the ladder to lineman, crewleader, foreman, work planner and construction superintendent at University Park. He retired in 2000 after 33 years of faithful service.

He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, golf, mowing grass and spending time enjoying the peaceful quiet of country living. Ken and Karen spent many happy hours on trail rides with their horses. He was a very intelligent and well-versed man on a variety of subjects. He played hockey, softball and bowling in his earlier years. He liked doing handyman work around the house and could fix just about anything. He was an active participant in his sons' education, sports and band activities; coaching Little League and serving as President of the Band Boosters. He was a member of Ceco Recreation Club and Joliet Moose Lodge #300.

Funeral services for Kenneth Christian will be 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Forsythe Funeral Home, Manhattan. Cremation will follow. Memorials to the Mooseheart Charities or the Salvation Army would be appreciated. Visitation Wednesday, 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Forsythe Funeral Home 507 S. State Street (Rt. 52) Manhattan, Illinois (815) 478-3321 www.forsythefuneralhome.com