SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Kenneth J. Andersen, 73, of South New Berlin, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at his home.
Born in Brooklyn on Dec. 24, 1936, Ken was the son of C. Joseph and Evelyn (Olsen) Andersen. He was a graduate of New Utrecht High School in Brooklyn and received his bachelor’s degree from Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. Ken earned both his master’s degree and doctorate from Syracuse University. He began his career as a research scientist working for the Batelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio where he was named Outstanding Scientist of the Year.  Ken also worked at Johnson and Johnson in New Jersey before moving to the Norwich area during the early 1970s to work at Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals. In 1981, he established Andersen Laboratories in Norwich and later became the laboratory director for his wife’s business, Chenango Valley Environmental Laboratories.
Ken was twice a past president of the Norwich Rotary Club where he was also a Paul Harris Fellow, past secretary and Assistant District Governor. He was a long time member of the Broad Street United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for all of his years there.  During his leisure time, Ken loved to read.
On June 9, 1962, in Kinnelon, New Jersey, Ken married Judith G. Lamb, who survives. He is also survived by his two sons and their wives, David J. and Delfi Andersen of Norwich and Mark and Julie Andersen of Shreveport, La.; three grandchildren, Christina Andersen of Oxford, and Isabella and Nate Andersen of Shreveport and two great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Ralph Andersen.
Funeral services for Ken will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday at the Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Hale, pastor, officiating. Friends are invited to call at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place at a later date in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in memory of Ken be made to The Rotary Foundation, One Rotary Center, 1560 Sherman Ave., Evanston, IL  60201.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.