Kenneth Serzynski Obituary

I first met Ken in 1969 when I was a member of the Stick & Rudder Flying Club (1966-1986). Ken was one of my best friends and a great human being. Years ago, Stick & Rudder Club needed someone to run that club, and I told Jim Holbrook that they should hire Ken, because he was always at the club, Ken lived roughly 5 blocks east of the club, and he'd be the perfect guy to do that job, and he did an impeccable job!!!

I was shocked to hear of Ken's passing. He was an extremely nice guy who loved flying, and Stick & Rudder was blessed to have him running that club.

I was a member of Stick and Rudder Club years ago. Ken wasn't my primary instructor but soloed me when my instructor was out of town and I was impatient. He got me over a couple hurdles. I always enjoyed flying and hangar flying with Ken. He was a great guy and part of my flying life I'll never forget.

We offer our condolences at this difficult time. We are grateful to have known him. Scott enjoyed many flights with him, he was very helpful in offering his knowledge. Ken will truly be missed.

He will be missed. I enjoyed working with Kenny as a member of the Board of Stick & Rudder. He was a great instructor for my partner Pablo. N811LL. I enjoyed our flights together especially when my biannual was due. Great friend.

I am so sorry for most heart breaking loss of Ken Sr. My prayers for him, all of his family, and all who mourn his great loss. May God send comfort during this very saddest time. Your all in my prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Thank you Kenny for always believing in me. You helped inspire my aviation/military career. Some of my fondest aviation memories are the ones spent with you.

Our deepest condolences. All of us at Aviation Plus will miss Kenny greatly. He was always a ray of sunshine during his visits to us.

It was with great sadness that I learned of Ken's untimely passing. My sincere sympathy to his family. We have known each other for more than twenty years and I considered him a good friend. We bonded over our shared love of flying and as Vietnam vets. He will be missed.

Hard to find the words to such unexpected news. Sending our thoughts and prayers.

Always a gentleman, and always with humor. Fly on, may your dreams last an eternity.

We met Ken in the military and we both worked with him at the 440th/34th APS, and I had worked with him later on at 27th APS. What we remember about him, was that he was such a super nice guy and always had a smile on his face. He liked to kid around and was funny and witty at the same time. We kept in touch with him on Facebook and he would wish us a Merry Christmas or make comments about the Packers, a new car that we bought or comment about us fishing. We did remember he loved his flying. That's something you never forget about a person doing something so incredible like that. We are so very sorry for your loss and our deepest condolences to the family. Kat and Fred Froeber

Kenny you will be greatly missed. I will never forget the times, I would be out with all you guys and I was the only girl a lot of times but you always made sure I was having a good time. Fly high!

Deepest sympathy! Our whole crew at AVIONICS PLACE enjoyed Ken's visits. Working with him on avionics repairs and installs was always a pleasure. We will all miss you my friend!

I was saddened to hear of Ken's passing. I met Kenny as a member of Stick and Rudder for 2000 to 2010. He was always kind and gracious and freely shared his knowledge of all things aviation. Once I relocated from Illinois I would still stop by Stick & Rudder on my way to Oshkosh it was always a pleasure to see and visit with Ken. He will certainly be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.

Our deepest sympathy, so sorry to hear about Kenny love this family Shelby and Virginia

So sorry to hear this My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

My name is Larry Zens.
his "other brother since 1964. We both started in music playing in bands together. We played in TV together 1968. I used to write him letters while he fought for our country Viet Nam. We have stayed in contact all these years. At least weekly. Also still playing music together as well. Just want to say ....
My bro, I enjoyed the ride with ya. We saw, we conquered, and we laughed the whole time. It was my honor you touched my life.
Love you
Larry

Ken represented everything worthwhile in general aviation. What Ken didn’t know about flying was not worth knowing. He will be sorely missed by all his friends at Stick & Rudder. Our deepest condolences to Ken’s family.

Fly high Ken you are untethered but know you are forever in our hearts and memories of all of us who love and have cherished your presence sincerely, your family the Campbells & Becky & Craig

I am so sorry to hear about Ken. He will be deeply missed by many people. I hadn’t seen him in many years, but had the chance to get reacquainted with him a couple summers ago. He also attended a party at my house back in October. Prayers for his wife And the rest of the family. I know this will be very hard for everyone.

Kenny,
My neighbor, my friend, my musician buddy. I grew up 2 doors down from the Serzynski family. I was over their house alot. His nickname for me was Freddie Hinckel.
And also Kenny and Mark would chase Brian and I around their house and they would bean us with a volley ball. (dodgeball)We must have been 10yrs old. It was a blast.
I remember when Kenny 's band was practicing in their breezeway on the garage. I was totally loving the band and the music they made. It was that moment which I decided I wanted to be a musician. He got me going in music.
Also , we used to sit in their basement quit frequently and listen to records. Kenny would play along with Chicago songs. Man, he was sooo good at it.
As I got older Brian and I would help Kenny and Bert Aldrin with their flying banner business. And helicopter rides business too. Brian and I were with them alot.
Kenny was always soo good at music. He was an inspiration to me. A friend,teacher, and just an all around great guy. All of us will miss you Kenny. Fly high!

A pure joy to be with great father and fantastic drum

I hung out a lot with Kenny during our Air Force reserves and many tours. Always made me laugh & smile. I felt the energy change when he walked into a room. A few years ago he called me and asked if I was doing anything? I told him no and he said he would be there in 15 minutes! He was flying and landed in Middleton just for a visit! Such a great surprise. Thankfully I took many pictures that day. I am so saddened by this news and will miss you very much my friend...

Ken, I always enjoyed our conversations at Stick & Rudder, the flying advice and instruction that you gave me, and your genuine interest to know and talk with my family and friends flying with me. You were a great mentor to Kenny, the instructors, members, and everyone else at the Club. You were a very nice person and always very practical, safe, dedicated, knowledgeable, reliable and on top of things at the Club. You became its face. It was always nice to have a drink with you at the end of our flying, or to hear the band practicing in the hangar. Our deepest sympathy to Donna and the entire Serzynski family. “Doc” and I will greatly miss you. Joe & Mary Lee Lucas

He was the absolute best teacher. Always went the extra mile for me to make my schedule work and keep me on track. I have never seen someone care so much about anything than he did about flying and keeping the club running. Our relationship went beyond just instructor and student and he was a mentor. I'm forever grateful having Kenny be there for every one of my milestones and it will be impossible to forget him as I continue this journey since he was the foundation of it.

My sincere condolences to kens family. He was a great pilot, instructor, mentor and all around good guy. He loved aviation and made the club feel like a club. He worked so hard to make everyone feel welcome whether they were students or pro pilots. I feel fortunate to have know him as i progressed from student to pro myself. He touched a lot of lives in a positive manner and will be greatly missed.

Kenny, was a great guy. We flew together quite a bit. He helped me get my commercial certificate. He a consummate professional but in such a friendly, kind way. I already miss him. Blue Skies and Calm Winds my friend. You will be missed.

God bless all of the family! Kenny was an awesome guy! God speed!❤

Our deepest sympathy to Kenny’s family and his extended family of brothers and sister. He was loved by all. Cousin Kathy (Serzynski) Jouppi

Kenny was the heart and soul of Stick & Rudder Flying Club. He worked tirelessly to keep the club running, the planes flying and taught generations of aspiring pilots. He was a friend, sparring partner, great teacher and there was never a dull moment when you were with him. I will miss him every day and think of him especially when flying, which he loved to do more than anything. Blue skies forever, Kenny.

I knew Ken from serving with him in the USAF Reserves. 34th Airel Port Squadron General Mitchell Field Milwaukee WI. HE WAS INDEED A GREAT SOUL. I enjoyed his smile, and always positive outlook on situations. My condolences to the Serzynski family.

I always enjoyed working with Kenny. He usually was in a happy mood and was always smiling. He made members feel welcome and encouraged pilots to be safe. I will miss him.

Kenny, I can still see when I looked back at you on stage, playing your drums. big smilewith those big eyes! We’re gonna miss you, brother❤

Ken was an amazing teacher, boss, and friend to me for many years. I can still remember the first time I came to Stick and Rudder, Ken was there encouraging me to go up for a ride. Almost 11 years later and I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

Ken had an ability to take everything with humor and grace, I remember panicking that we had gotten an airplane stuck in the mud, but on cue, Ken had called a friend to tow it out and we were both laughing in no time.

Donna and Kenny, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years.

Blue Skies Kenny

I am so very sorry for your loss. Ken was a great guy and very welcoming when I first met him in the Air Force reserves.

An absolute legend. Ken had a deeply caring heart, and every one of us at the club felt safer flying knowing he was there, running the place. His impact on us all has been tremendous, and he will be remembered and missed by everyone. He’ll live on in the many “Ken stories” we’ll continue to tell.

Ken genuinely looked out for each of us. Whether it was reminding me to call ahead to make sure my destination had fuel, telling me to take off with flaps, or tracking my flight and checking in to ensure I was safe—he was the best instructor and mentor one could ask for.

Kenny was one of the finest friends a man could have, those who knew him would completely agree. And he had loads of friends, best friend to many. As manager of Stick and Rudder (a dream job), he was the right "people person" running it. We will miss him tremendously, a great loss to us all.

Truly one-of-a-kind. A great mentor and greater friend. You were larger than life—humor, spirit and heart of gold—you will be deeply missed, my friend.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
In His love
Ward & DianeJoy Taylor