Kennedy R. Nissen

Kennedy R. Nissen, 87, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2018.

Ken was the eldest son of Raymond L. and Sarah Norma Nissen (nee Cody) born November 4, 1930, in Provo, UT. He graduated in 1953 from Wheaton College with a B.A. in History. At Wheaton he was pitcher for the baseball team, played basketball, and was active in many extracurricular activities. He married Peggy Ann Bowman on October 6, 1956, in Wheaton, IL. He worked as a salesman for 3M Corp, Sales Manager at Ecusta Papers in Brevard, NC, and finished his career serving as Director of Sales at Appleton Papers, Inc., for 24 years, where he mentored and developed a very successful sales force. Ken was active in many industry and sales organizations and past President of Sales & Marketing Executives.

Kennedy Nissen was a man of faith and a follower of Jesus Christ, and he lived out his faith in everything that he did. He was a faithful, loving husband and father, always providing for his family without fail in every circumstance of life. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, camping, biking, gardening and many other activities. He was a member of Calvary Bible Church, Neenah, WI, and Green Valley Evangelical Free Church Green Valley, AZ. Ken was involved in leading Bible studies, serving meals to poor, and ministering to hospice patients. In the Valley, Ken served as a volunteer at the Community Clothes Closet and Cherry Meadows Hospice.

Ken was an accomplished tennis player and member of Fox Cities Racquet Club and a ranked player in the State of Wisconsin, playing into his eighties. He was an avid and competent skier, bicyclist, golfer and gardener. A member of the Green Valley Photography Club, Ken also enjoyed and was a very talented, award-winning photographer, serving as photographer for several weddings. Ken was a talented piano player from his youth playing for hours and always by ear. He loved traveling with Peggy, experiencing as many as 20 countries all around the world. Ken loved life and people and is missed greatly.

Ken is survived by his wife Peggy, his sons Craig Nissen (Kathleen), Appleton, WI, and Jeffrey Nissen, Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren Sydney Langhoff (Bill) and Max Nissen; great grandchildren Liam and Teryn Langhoff; brothers David Nissen (Celia), Dwight Nissen (Diana), Alan Nissen, and sister Katherine Balc (Alexander); brothers-in-law Pat Walker (Judy) and Leonard Walker (Kitty); nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; son Stephen Nissen; brother Gary Nissen; brothers-in-law Alvin Walker and Billy Bowman.

Memorials may be given to the family and will be given to benefit over 20 charitable organizations that Ken actively supported financially.

Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 10, at Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton (537 N. Superior St.).
Funeral services will be held 11:30, Friday, May 11 at Valley Baptist Church, Appleton (3600 N Chippewa St) with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be at the church following the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery at 2:30.