Kirby K. Kaysen

Kirby K. Kaysen, 70, of Van Dyne, died Saturday, May 24, 2014 at his residence with family and friends at his side. He was born November 14, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of the late Adolph and Mildred Konecny Kaysen. Kirby graduated from Hebron Indiana High School in 1961. He was an alumni of Butler University with a BS degree in 1965; and received MS degrees from Troy State University and the University of Maryland. He entered active duty service in the United States Air Force in August of 1966 and retired from the Air Force in May of 1986 at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served in two tours of Vietnam receiving the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam Service Medals with six clusters, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Additionally, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. After retirement from the Air Force Kirby worked as a Quality Management Consultant retiring in 2008.



Kirby married Joyce C. (Klemme) Ryan on April 16, 1999 in Troy, Michigan. He was a member of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Fond du Lac. He was a general member of the American Legion and had participated with the Habitat for Humanity. Kirby enjoyed baseball, especially his Chicago Cubs. Often, you would find Kirby cheering on his grandchildren in their athletic efforts. Kirby was a past instructor in Scuba Diving in England and the United States. Further hobbies include camping, golfing, horse dressage competitions, his family dogs, airplanes and flying, and Bible studies with a local men’s group. Kirby selflessly touched so many lives.



He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children, Eric (Roseanne) Kaysen and their children, Matthew, Mitchell, Marcus and Madison; Crystal Kaysen Horn and her children, Alexandra, Haley and Trevor; Kristopher “Kit” Kaysen; Robin (Joe) Maramonte and their children, Chad, Anna and Wade; Todd D. (Melissa) Atkinson and their children, Destiny, Todd J. and Kaitlyn; one sister, Kathlyn Kaysen Sipkema; nieces, great nieces and great nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Robert.