I knew Ken Orzel, as I served with him in the 78th ASA Special Operations Unit, Berlin, Germany, 1962-'64. He was a witty fellow, a person I liked and liked to be around. He loved his country and his fellow soldiers. I just learned of his passing today, November 24, 2024 through a mutual friend and fellow soldier from our Berlin days.

Fondly,

Mike Norman,
Peoria, AZ

My dad was the very best in the world. He put together homemade lunches every day and made his famous western omelettes for breakfast with ketchup faces to make me smile. He kept making ketchup faces on his breakfasts long after I grew up and moved away, and he would send me pictures of them because they still made me smile. The utter lack of calls and texts and emails from my Daddoo is the biggest void I’ve ever felt in my life. There is no filling that void. There was nobody like my dad. Larger than Life. I miss him terribly. 

If you would like to visit KO’s grave at the VA Cemetery and need help on how to find it, please email me at Errin.Orzel@gmail.com

I’d love to know there are others that go and visit him as well. I saw him today. It was hard but it is a beautiful resting place. The folks who work there are very kind and helpful. They also cover up the portrait of Joe Biden in their main office, which I thought my dad would’ve got a kick out of. Ha ha. ❤️‍🩹

Was one of the great people I met at New Jersel Bell , and one of the first to have a portable phone.

Out at Bonefish Mac’s, our favorite restaurant to go to together. Whenever we went, he would give me a handful of quarters so I could play in the game room. I remember in high school I once won a UF plush, joking with him about how I might go there. I ended up being a Seminole instead, and he was a proud Noles dad.

My eulogy for Dad, pasted below. 
I want to thank you all for being here for my dad, and I want to talk a little about what a great dad he was, and what a great person he was. 

My dad was the kind of dad who showed up to every high school football game—neither of us played football, but I played bass drum in the stands and he loved to watch the band play. He came to every musical I was in in high school, even though I was just an ensemble member. Not only that, but he would make hundreds of brownies and sell them at the concessions stand to help fund the productions. When we went to college, Dad would make the 8-hour drive to Tallahassee to visit us for the weekend and take us to a football game, and promptly drive back. I don’t need to remind you that he was already in his 70s by then, and that’s not an easy journey. He did it out of love. 

Dad cooked us dinner from scratch every night, and made us breakfast every morning. Eggs with silly ketchup faces. He packed us lunches every day with so much love, from the time we were in preschool until we graduated from high school. He was quick with a joke and always knew the right thing to say, even if it wasn’t the right time to say it. 

Dad kept his friends close, from all different adventures of his life, and there were many. He kept every card written to him and I’ve found letters from friends I’ve heard stories about. He loved Pink Floyd, The Eagles, The Doobie Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and he sent me a song every morning with the message “Good morning Muffin” to kick off my day. Dad always said my brother and I were his greatest accomplishments, and now I only hope we can hold a candle to the legacy of love and friendship he left behind. He loved life, and he fought hard to keep loving life to the very end. We can glean comfort knowing he is not suffering anymore, but I wouldn’t say he’s at peace either—where our dad is now, we know he’s having one heck of a party. Raise a glass in his honor tonight.

Zoom Details for Online Service viewing, in case asked for a Meeting ID or Passcode.

Really sad news. Over the years I was fortunate enough to hoist many a drink with Ken around town especially during the 80s and 90s. ￼ He was definitely one of a kind and a real good guy. Unforgettable. We caught up for beers a few months ago and we laughed a lot as usual. He told me that he had really enjoyed his life and that’s about as good as it gets. Definitely won’t be the same without K￼O. 
My condolences to his kids and the family.

Picture of Ken & little Yves at our wedding in 1996.

After I had moved to Gainesville, Ken would sometimes send me links via Facebook Messenger. It was usually political, but the fact he thought to share them with me was pleasant. We didn’t talk much, but in a way, he kept in contact with me when not even people I considered close friends bothered to send a text. 
I was grateful to him for those messages, and wished I said that instead of thinking there was always more time for it later. 
I wish his children and loved ones the best. God bless you all and may you find comfort in the days to come.

Ken was a very funny guy who kept me laughing at DMV. He was very knowledgeable in many areas. Such a family man always spoke about his children, his different career’s. Straight forward guy! My prayers are with his family!

Ken was the best friend that I ever had - always laughing and had such an infectious laugh. He loved coming to visit me in Liverpool, England and genuinely loved my city. He was such a knowledgeable man and had such a depth of subjects that he would teach you about. I will dearly miss my BFF

our best friend in  florida. we met him at the DMV. we became friends. we met each other every year. he came to germany. we partyed like rock stars. always nice words and lots of fun from Ken. we will really miss you my friend.

in the name of the whole Lindner family.

Ken and I worked together in Hackensack Sales NJ Bell a life time ago. We always had fun. He was known as KO then. ❤️❤️😥

Met Ken while working for New Jersey Bell , always a fun person to be with and a good friend. Will be missed, say hello to Harold Nielan when you arrive on high.

Josie and I are saddened to here of Ken's passing. We met on so few occasions here in the UK, but when we did he was always the life and soul of the event. 
A friendly man who loved company. I'm sure his family will miss him terribly.
We shall not forget you Ken
Rest in peace.

Ken was a great friend to my father for decades and to our family when dad aged. I have many memories of Ken’s sharp intelligence and knife-edged humor. My love and thoughts go out to his friends and family, especially to his two brilliant kids. Hope your raising heck up there Ken! Your smile is everlasting! 😙

Rest in peace dear cousin. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.       John and Bernice Beckman.

OBITUARY

Kenneth Orzel

August 4, 1942 – September 25, 2023

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home and Cremation Center

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