Kenneth S. Isaacson
Nov. 19, 1927 ~ Aug. 7, 2018 Resident of Los Gatos
Ken Isaacson, a man of relentless optimism who had a profound impact on those around him, passed away August 7 in Los Gatos. He was 90.
Ken was born at the Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago on November 19th, 1927, to Sigfried and Gerda Isaacson. Joining his older siblings, brother Wes and sister Merle, Ken grew up loving sports, especially baseball, and playing in the streets, alleys, ball fields and playgrounds of Chicago’s north side.
After graduating from high school in 1945, Ken followed his father and brother, who were carpenters, into the trades. He became a bricklayer and together they built a family cabin on a lake in Wisconsin. Ken met Lillian Schlaffer in summer of 1949, and they were married in May of 1950. They remained deeply devoted to each other for 63 years, until Lillian passed away in January 2014.
Ken loved working with his hands and was very proud of his accomplishments as a craftsman bricklayer. But the cold winters of the Midwest caused him to switch to a lifelong career in sales. Ken went to work for a manufacturer and marketer of men’s and women’s apparel. He enjoyed sales and working with buyers and his colleagues throughout the Midwest and, ultimately, the West Coast when Ken and family moved to California in 1969. Through the years, the company often changed ownership, but Ken remained and was salesman of the year many times. After 39 years in sales, he fully retired in 1994 at the age of 67.
Ken delighted others with his subtle sense of humor. He enjoyed golf and craftsmanship, as well as repairing what broke around the house and building cabinets and tables for his kids and home. Most of all, his love of God and Christ the Lord served as a guiding light. With the kindness found only in people of great strength, Ken always tried hard to be a good person through his actions every day of his life. Ken’s devotion to Lillian was beautiful to witness. The ultimate gentleman, Ken was gracious, smart, generous, and patient. A mentor, role model, friend, and loving dad for all his children, Ken will be remembered as a great guy with a big heart who enjoyed people.
Despite his advanced age, Ken was blessed with a sharp memory and clear mind until his death. His quiet, humble demeanor belied his tremendous courage and amazing resilience. He will be dearly missed by many. Ken is survived by sons Steve and Mark; daughter Leslie; six grandchildren including Travis, Matt, Leah, Devon, Nathan, and Holly; and daughters-in-law Ruth and Kathi. Ken also has six great-grandchildren: Alex, Elie, Jacob, Lillian, Avett, and Peyton.
The family will hold a memorial service on Sunday, Sept. 23, from 2:00-4:30 p.m. at Los Gatos Meadows, 110 Wood Rd. in Los Gatos, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to two organizations dear to Ken: Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose, https://www.shfb.org/donatenow, or KICY, a Christian radio station in Nome, Alaska, which broadcasts via free internet radio, http://www.covchurchgiving.com/p-33-kicymemorials.aspx.