Kenneth S. DeSieghardt

Kenneth S. (Ken) DeSieghardt, 62, passed away from COVID-19 on August 21, 2021, at Advent Shawnee Mission Hospital. Ken was born on July 30, 1959, in Camden, New Jersey. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Kansas in 1981, where he met his wife of 38 years, Sara (Sally) Beals, while volunteering with the Student Union Activities Special Events committee in 1977. Ken’s impressive career in Public Relations included health care and agency experience. In 2002, he founded DeSieghardt Strategic Communications, where he built a strong relationship with public school districts, government organizations, and businesses by creating surveys, analyzing responses, and developing the results-driven strategic plans needed to help his clients provide the best education for their patrons. The author of two books on effective school district communication, Ken received multiple Prism and Silver Awards from the Greater Kansas City Public Relations Society of America (GKC PRSA) from 2003-2008 for his demonstrably successful work. In 2008, Ken expanded and rebranded as Patron Insight, Inc., to focus on his passion for public education. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) in 2019. If the world handed out awards for enthusiasm, Ken would have received gold medals for his love of rock and roll; KU sports, especially basketball; the National Hockey League (NHL); and film noir. He and Sally attended countless concerts during their years together, and the entire family enjoyed cheering on favorite teams. From sports to schoolwork, Ken was also and always a proud and vocal fan of his daughters, Aislinn and Áine. Ken had Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, a genetic condition that led to his lung deterioration. In 2019, his life was saved by an organ donor and an incredible medical team: Ken received a double lung transplant at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. The transplant gave Ken’s family, friends, and clients two additional years with this smart, witty, kind, and loving man. For that, we are forever grateful. He was preceded in death by his mother, Constance H. (Connie) DeSieghardt in 2014. He was survived by his wife, Sally; his daughters, Aislinn and Áine; his brother, Fred A. DeSieghardt; and his father, Fred O. DeSieghardt. Ken’s father passed away Oct. 18, 2021. A combined memorial service for Ken and Fred will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at Knox Presbyterian Church, 9595 W 95th St. in Overland Park, KS. Masks are mandatory. The family also will be holding an open house for Ken that evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m., featuring his favorite music and food; the open house will be held at 19733 Birch St. in Stilwell, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the Alpha-1 Foundation (alpha1.org) or the Barnes Jewish Hospital Foundation (foundationbarnesjewish.org) directed towards Transplant. To further honor and remember Ken, turn the volume up on some rock and roll, and learn more about being an organ donor (unos.org).

Kenneth S. DeSieghardt

July 30, 1959 - August 21, 2021