Kenneth Eugene Miesen

Kenneth Eugene Miesen passed away on February 3rd, 2022 in Cumming, Georgia. He was known by family and friends as Kay. He was born in Muskegon, Michigan, the son of Florence Mae Miesen and John Walter Miesen. Kay had a love for music, particularly playing the trombone, which started with a Christmas gift he received in 8th grade. He learned how to play it over the Chritsmas vacation of that year, and by the time he graduated from Muskegon Heights High School he had won thirty two 1st place medals in music contests, and never got a second place.

In High School Kay played basketball, tennis, baseball, was the lead actor in an eleventh grade play and had a leading role in the senior play. He participated in every music class: band, orchestra, choir, and graduated High School with a Regents Scholarship from the University of Michigan. Kay would enroll in the University of Michigan in 1952 and would enlist into the Army in 1954 midway through his studies. At Camp Fort Dix he was part of the band, which performed in New York City every Wednesday on ABC's “Soldier’s Parade Show” and was also featured on “The Ed Sullivan Show”. After his time in the army he would return to University of Michigan School of Music to complete his studies and had success performing in both the school’s band and orchestra with his trombone. He completed Bachelor in Music in 1959 followed by his Master in Music in 1963.

Following graduation, Kay taught vocal music in Dearborn, Michigan Public Schools, and in Minneapolis he was the director of membership for the Minnesota Federation of Teachers which led to his candidacy for President of American Federation of Teachers in 1970. The strong connection he built with teachers followed him throughout his career in annuity sales which started in 1973 at Valic and continued while he was a financial planner for the next 25 years in Cleveland, Ohio.

Surviving him are his wife, Zoica, and his four children: Solveig Elios, Caitlin Gout, Alexis Gallivan and Ryer Miesen; Five grandchildren: James Elios, Christina Elios, Sophia Elios, Polito Gout and Ines Gout.

Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia in charge of arrangements.