Obituary of Kenneth Francis Sierleja

Kenneth F. Sierleja, Sr. 87 of Glenville passed away at Ellis Hospital Tuesday, November 18, 2008 after a brief illness. Born in Schenectady on July 17, 1921 to the late Edward and Clarissa Sierleja. He was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School, General Electric Apprentice Machinist Course and Siena College. Ken was a veteran of WWII serving in Europe. Ken was a wholesale lumber sales manager for various area and national lumber manufacturers and wholesalers. During his career, he had been president of Empire State Lumber Salesmen's Association and Secretary- Treasurer of Lumberman's Fraternal Order of Hoo- Hoo in Rochester and Albany. Following retirement in 1986, he extended his career by becoming self employed as a consultant to the lumber industry. He enjoyed skiing and playing tennis in his younger years, and before becoming ill this past summer was an avid bridge player, a passion he enjoyed with his wife throughout his lifetime. Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Carrigan Sierleja. They were married on January 15, 1945. He was the beloved father of two sons Kenneth Sierleja, Jr. of Schertz, Texas, and John Sierleja of Glenville, and one daughter Nancy Stephen Luzinas of Amsterdam. He was a proud and loving grandfather of six grandchildren: OC Kenneth Stephanie Sierleja III of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael Sierleja, Jessica O' Steen and Matthew Sierleja of San Antonio, Texas, Evan Luzinas of Clifton Park, Corinn Jason Moran of Amsterdam; two great grandchildren, Isobel Sierleja of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Emory O'Steen of San Antonio, Texas. Ken is survived by his sister, Elizabeth and brother in law Dr. Wayne Houser of Rochester, Minnesota. Nieces and nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents, Ken was predeceased by his brother Edward of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To honor his request, funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ken's memory may be made o the Arthritis Foundation or Alzheimer's Association. Ken's family would like to thank all involved in his wonderful care and rehabilitation at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam which allowed his to return to his beloved home before suffering this most recent illness. We would also like to thank the staff on A6 and the ICU at Ellis Hospital for their kind and compassionate care shown to him in his final days. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam.