Kenneth S. Pauken

Kenneth S. Pauken, 88, died on November 16, 2017. Born in Toledo to Paul S. Pauken and Mary (Gay) Pauken, he grew up in Maumee, attended St. Josephs Catholic School and Maumee High School, graduating in 1947. Following three years service in the US Coast Guard, he joined the Toledo Fire Department and served 22 years before retiring in 1976 with the rank of Deputy Chief. That same year, Ken was appointed to the US Fire Administration in Washington, DC where he worked six years. Returning to Ohio in 1982, he worked seven additional years with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Ken was active in St. Joseph Catholic Parish programs, primarily the St. Vincent DePaul Society and the religious education program for seventh and eighth graders. He especially liked working to help feed homeless and poor people in the inner city, including taking grade school students who were preparing for Confirmation to work with him in the soup kitchens. Ken served on St. Joseph Pastoral Council, Helping Hands of St. Louis Advisory Board, and for a number of years on the parish newsletter, Connections committee. Kens interests were writing, gardening and woodworking., He was elated when the wooden cross he made was accepted for the annual Good Friday ecumenical procession on Conant Street in Maumee. He also made the oak processional cross used at Mass in St. Josephs. Surviving are his spouse of 64 happy years, Rose Marie (Neary); children, Julie (Ron) DiCecco, Charles (Juanita), Sharon (Mike) Englert, and David (Kristie). Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Michelle Cruz, Patrick Sohnly, Nathan Sohnly, Christine Weirauch, Joseph Pauken, Mary Rose Pauken, Nicholas Pauken, Kathryn Pauken, and great-grandchildren Trent, Taylor, Hope, Jacob, Alyssa, Jakob, and Jace. Surviving also are brothers Raymond, Martin (Jackie), and sisters Mary Louise (Robert) Tiemann and Connie (Bill) Williams. Ken was predeceased by his brothers James (Laura), Richard (Nancy), Carl (Connie), and Robert and infant granddaughter Angel. Friends may call from 3 to 8 PM on Sunday, November 19th at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, Conant Street, Maumee with the Last Alarm service beginning at 7 PM on the 19th. Prayers will begin at the funeral home on Monday at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30 at St. Josephs Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Josephs Cemetery. Ken suggested that any memorial tributes be made to the Helping Hands of St. Louis Ministry, 459 Sixth Street, Toledo, OH 43605.