January 29, 1924 - March 28, 2020

In a private family ceremony on Friday, April 3rd 2020, Kenneth J. Theiss was laid to rest at Tappan Reformed Church Cemetery in Tappan, NY.  At that time, a memorial service and celebration of life for family and friends was postponed due to the corona virus crisis.  We are now grateful that we have found a way to gather friends and family to celebrate Dad's life  on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. at River Vale Community Church, 600 New Street, River Vale, NJ.

Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Grace Sandvik Theiss (deceased 2008.) Survived by his children: Pam Myers (WA); Bruce Theiss (WA); Anne Theiss and Orin Chalker (WA); Lynn and Victor Germakian (NJ); Amy Lenz (NJ); Beth and Joel Mattsson-Boze (CA); Carol Theiss (NJ); 15 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Family also includes his sister-in-law, Joan Marie Robles, nephew, Greg Robles and niece and husband, Ali and Scott Tomaszewski.  Since Ken's passing, his family has continued to grow with the addition of 2 great-grandchildren and most recently 1 great-great grandson!

Dad was a WWII veteran with the Army Air Corp, serving in the Pacific Theater as a flight engineer aboard B-29s.

Our Dad was a man of character. One who moved about quietly taking care of the daily business of life, providing for his family, doing the right thing without any fanfare. He taught us by example rather than lecturing. He treated us with respect, showed us the value of completing what we started and doing it well, of having a plan and being flexible with that plan. Ever practical, thanks Dad for teaching us which are the business ends of both a screwdriver and a hammer. It pays to know the “right tool for the job.” He worked hard to give us opportunity and the tools to follow our own dreams and he listened to us. He was an ordinary man with extraordinary focus.

A city boy from the Bronx, Dad loved the outdoors. Have station wagon, trailer, and maps -- will travel with wife and 7 kids all over the USA and Canada, camp and see the sights. And see them, we did!

While family was number one, his kindness and generosity was extended to many.

This love letter to our father is written by one hand, but my brother and sisters’ voices are loud and clear in my head as I write. Words from one of our sisters to Dad, words that I received after my own writing was on paper: “Your heart was reflected in your character. You lived in such a way to make life work for others. You gave. You flexed. You served. You sacrificed. You were kind, patient, generous,gentle, long-suffering and steady.”

Dad learned those values and skills from his own parents and with respect to both our parents, we each have attempted to pass those same lessons along to our own children.

Dad, we will forever hold you in our hearts. Thank you for being you.

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