Kenneth Ralph Tiegs

Kenneth R. Tiegs, 86, a resident of Littleton, Colorado, died January 20, 2006 following a lengthy illness. Born in Hartland, Wisconsin on August 19, 1919 Ken was one of 4 children including his brother Randall and sisters Arleen and June. As a young boy who worked behind a 'plow horse' on John Geason's farm, he had an avid interest in aviation and at age 16 built a 'bi-plane hang glider' with a friend. He soon began flying lessons at Waukesha Airport and purchased an American Eaglet, powered by a 3-cylinder, 30 horsepower engine. In 1942, Ken entered the Army Air Corps where he instructed in BT-13's, ferried fighters such as the P-51 Mustang and P-47 Thunderbolt, and flew the 'Hump' while based in India in both B-24's and C-54s. After leaving military service, Ken worked for the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture in an experimental crop dusting program flying N-3N's and DC-3's in and around Stanley, Idaho. On April 19, 1951 Ken began his career with Continental Airlines where he flew the DC-3, Convair 340 and 440, the Douglas DC-6 and DC-7, the Vickers Viscount, Boeing 707 and finally the DC-10, retiring after 28 years of service in 1979. In retirement, Ken spent much of his time working to restore a 1928 Travel Air Biplane, along with his other interests in gardening, hunting , fishing and amateur radio. Ken's 'gift of gab' and his amazing ability of being able to fix anything and everything endeared him to a wide variety of people. His first wife Margaret, stricken by Alzheimer's disease, preceded him in death. Ken remarried to Marjorie Kranich. Ken is survived by his wife Marjorie and two children, Elizabeth Parcels of Broomfield, Colorado and son Kenneth (Sharon) of Salida, Colorado and brother Randall (Faye) Tiegs of Stuart, Florida; also, three grandchildren, Nick Tally, Kenneth C. Tiegs , Bryan T. Tiegs and four great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ken is also survived by four step-children, Roger Kranich, Mark (Cindy) Kranich, Gail (Lawrence) Hart, Barbara (Bruce) Becker and six step-grandchildren, along with many friends. No services are planned; thoughtful donations to the Salvation Army (800) 958-7825 or Hospice of Metro Denver (425 S.Cherry St., Ste.700, Denver, CO 80246-9739) are encouraged in lieu of flowers. May Ken be Blessed with calm winds and clear skies on this last journey.