Kenneth Kuiken

Kenneth Nicholas Kuiken, 80, of Wayne, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Ken was the eldest of two children born to George and Jeanette (Freeling) Kuiken. He entered the world in Paterson, NJ, and spent his formative years in Fair Lawn before moving to Little Falls. He attended Eastern Christian Elementary and Junior High School before graduating from Passaic Valley Regional High School.

At the age of twenty-one, Ken was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he honorably served his country in Germany from 1965 to 1967. Following his active duty, he continued serving in the U.S. Army Reserve until 1971. Ken’s dedication to his country earned him the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, and recognition as a rifle sharpshooter.

After completing his military service, Ken pursued higher education at the College of Emporia in Kansas. It was there, during a game of Double Deck Pinochle, that he met the love of his life, Kathryn Thompson. Their connection blossomed quickly, leading to their marriage on June 12, 1970, in Emporia. Following a honeymoon in New Orleans, the couple settled in New Jersey, living in Clifton and Little Falls before making Wayne their home in 1975. Together, they built a life centered around family and love.

Ken devoted his professional career to the Social Security Administration, where he served as a manager until retiring in 2004.

In his leisure time, Ken found joy in fishing, particularly at Glen Wild Lake in Bloomingdale, where his parents owned a home. Being on the water brought him a profound sense of peace. He was also an avid sports fan, cheering on the Yankees in baseball, the Giants and Chiefs in professional football, and the Alabama Crimson Tide in college football.

Ken and Kathryn shared a love for travel, embarking on numerous adventures together, including up to six cruises a year. St. Maarten was a particular favorite, and they also cherished family vacations in Duck, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks. These trips, often accompanied by their children and grandchildren, were a source of immense happiness and pride for Ken, who treasured his role as “Grandpa” and attended every one of his grandchildren’s milestone moments.

Ken and Kathryn shared a loving and blessed marriage for 48 years until Kathryn's passing in March 2019. After her loss, Ken sought solace in the places they had cherished together, often spending time near the ocean and in the Outer Banks. He also redefined the concept of the kitchen, favoring breakfast at the Wayne Hills Diner or the Pompton Queen Diner. Ken became a regular, sitting on a barstool seven mornings a week at these spots, which held special meaning as places he and Kathryn had enjoyed together.

Ken leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, and cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.

Ken was predeceased by his beloved wife Kathryn (nee Thompson) in 2019, his dear son Ryan in 2002 and his sister Carol Spada. He is survived by his loving daughter Michelle Graffanino and her husband Richard of Oakland; two cherished grandchildren: Emma and Connor Graffanino of Oakland; his brother-in-law John Spada; and his two nephews and one niece: Ken Spada, George Spada and his wife Jen, and Misti Spada.  

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Ken’s name are asked to consider:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105