Wilfred Kenneth Flesner, 90, of Golden, passed away at 4:51 am on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at his home. 

Kenneth was born on April 1, 1933, in Clayton Township, the son of the late Herman and Emilie Flesner. He married Lois Busboom on August 22, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden and she preceded him in death on July 6, 2009. Kenneth was united in marriage to Edna (Tournear) Tenhouse on July 21, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Clayton and she survives. 

Kenneth was educated at the Union School, a one room schoolhouse in the rural Clayton area.  He attended high school and junior college at St. Paul's College in Concordia, Missouri, and he later received his B.S. degree from Concordia Teacher's College at River Forest. Kenneth was awarded a master's degree and a sixth-year certificate from Western Illinois University.  

He began his career in education teaching grades 1st through 8th in the one room Good Shepherd Lutheran Parochial School in Clayton. Kenneth came to Community Unit School District #3 in 1962 and served in the capacity of teacher, principal and administrator retiring in 1994. After retiring from Unit District #3 he served as Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools for Adams/Pike County, retiring in 2010. Kenneth proudly spoke of the uniqueness of students; inspiring them to learn, grow and to reach above and beyond all expectations.   

Kenneth was an active member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Clayton, having served as a Sunday school teacher, youth counselor and other various offices. He was a proud supporter of his community, serving many organizations.  Perhaps his greatest passion was preserving history for future generations.  He was a past president of the Golden Historical Society and was honored to serve as the parade Grand Marshal for the 150th Anniversary Celebration held in 2013. He enjoyed spending time with family, always happy to tell others about the grandchildren, attending QHS basketball games, traveling and visiting antique shops. He would never leave without purchasing a book to add to his collection.  

In addition to his wife, Edna Tenhouse-Flesner of Golden, Kenneth is survived by his bonus children; Steven (Gayle) Tenhouse and Douglas Tenhouse both of Quincy, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and the 6th expected in June, four brothers; Dean (Anne) Flesner. Roger (Diana) Flesner, Merlin (Betty) Flesner, all Golden, and Larry (Sallie) Flesner of Carterville, one sister; Imogene Leenerts of Golden, Two sister's in-law; Marilyn Flesner and Norma Flesner of Golden, special friends from the R.O.E. Office and by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

Besides his parents and wife Lois, Kenneth was preceded in death by two brothers; Virgil and Delbert Flesner, two sisters & brothers in-laws; Evelyn (Elmer) Aden, Maxine (Herbie) Ideus and Arnold Leenerts, two sister's in-laws; Beth Flesner and Arlene (Edward) Taute, his father in-law and mother- in-law, Nick, and Tina Busboom.  

Funeral services honoring Kenneth's life will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Clayton. Pastor Kirk Cunningham will officiate.

Interment will follow at the Golden Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 pm on Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Triplett Funeral Home in Golden and again at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Clayton on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of services at the church.

 Memorial contributions in memory of Kenneth are suggested to the Panther Pride Foundation for Central Schools or to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Clayton.

You are invited to share your memories of Kenneth and leave a condolence at www.triplettfuneralhomes.com