Kenneth Joseph Laisner Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Kenneth J. Laisner of Portland passed away after an illness of brief duration on Monday December 1, 2008. He was surrounded with love by his daughter until the end. Ken had reached his 85th birthday just a few days before. Kenneth Joseph Laisner was born in Portland, Oregon on November 27, 1923. He was the son of Bill Laisner and Bernice O'Neill. Ken's grandfather, Mark O'Neill was a well-known lawyer in the early 1900s in Portland. Ken served in the 11th Airborne Division, 187th Para-Glider Infantry, 1st Battalion of the Army from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. When stationed in New Guinea in the Pacific, a grenade exploded near him, killing several and permanently wounding Ken. Throughout his life, Ken bore his injuries valiantly. After discharge from the Army, Ken returned to Portland and worked in the Merchant Marines from 1947 to 1950. he then worked as a Longshoreman, ILWU, Local 8, for the next 34 years, from 1951 to 1985 when he retired. Ken graduated from Molalla High School in 1942. He met his future wife, Dorothy Louise Averill in 1949. Five years later, in August 1954, they married. They were married for 38 years, until Dorothy Laisner's death in January 1992. Ken loved golf, yard work and politics and was particularly proud of his Irish heritage. PDF Printable Version

Kenneth Joseph Laisner

November 27, 1923 - December 1, 2008