Kenneth Fredrick Mans' Obituary
Kenneth Fredrick Mans, a devoted family man and accomplished entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 97 on June 21st, 2023. Born on June 19th, 1926, in Lincoln, Illinois, Ken lived a life filled with passion, adventure, and love.
During World War II, Ken served in the Naval Academy, where he displayed unwavering dedication and commitment to his country. After the war, he returned to civilian life and completed his college education, graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in engineering. Armed with his expertise, he embarked on a remarkable career that spanned over seven decades.
In 1970, Ken’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own company. What began as a small operation in his garage blossomed into both a regional and international success. The company he built not only thrived but also became a source of employment and support for over 200 families. Ken's dedication and hard work earned him the prestigious title of Certified Lubrication Specialist (C.L.S.), the highest technical designation in the industry.
Amidst his professional success, Ken's greatest joy and priority were his loved ones. He met the love of his life, Hester, on a blind date in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1958. They married in 1959 and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they raised their three beautiful daughters.
Ken is preceded in death by his father, Fred Mans, his mother, Odella Brosamer Mans, his sisters Audrey Mans and Patricia Mans Mellum, and his brothers Myron Mans, Virgil Mans, and Wayne Mans. Although they have passed on, their memories will forever live on in Ken’s heart.
Ken is survived by his beloved wife, Hester Mans, of 63 years who stood beside him through thick and thin. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kimberly Mans, Lisa Mans Seifert (Richard), and Sheri Mans Stinson (Charles). He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Mallory Stinson Shannon (Thomas), Reid Stinson (Phoebe), McKenzie Stinson, and Will Seifert. In addition, Kenneth leaves behind a legacy in his great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Sadie, and Poppy Shannon, + Hayes, Lane, and Birdie Stinson.
There will be a visitation on Friday, June 30th at Floral Haven Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Floral Haven in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on Saturday, July 1st at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Ken's name to Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or Brush Creek Ranch Academy - Teen Challenge.
For the family and friends that are unable to attend the service, you are able to watch it at your convenience by clicking on the following link:
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/89786/hash:721C10D83B78B4E6
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