Kenneth Edward Shidler

Kenneth E. Shidler, age 92, passed away, June 16, 2023. He was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on December 30, 1930, to Isabelle (Weaver) and John D Shidler. He was their only child. Ken graduated from Indiana University in 1952 having attended the School of Business and Economics. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. His post graduate work was at Michigan State in Food Distribution. On June 20, 1953, he married the love of his life, Patricia Havens. He missed celebrating their 70th anniversary by four days. Ken started his career in retail foods at Kroger in 1952, moving from Pittsburgh to Nashville and on to Milwaukee until 1966. He then moved the family to Omaha to become the VP and Director of Operations of Hinky Dinky through 1973. Dallas was next where he became the Senior VP of Marketing and Operations for Tom Thumb stores until 1975. He then went to work for Gristede Brothers, a subsidiary of Southland Corp, in NYC where he eventually became President. In 1984, he was principal of KES Company, providing consulting services to start up business ventures. One of which was D’Agostino Supermarkets, Inc., where he helped implement the “state of the art” software for shopping for groceries from your home computer. After retiring in 1992, he and Pat moved to Bloomington, where he worked with Consumer Credit Counseling Services. In every location, Ken would become involved in politics, volunteer organizations, and the local Methodist ministries. In Wilton, Connecticut he was elected Republican Town Chairman, served as Chairman of Planning and Zoning and was a leader in Fairfield County Tres Dias. He was affiliated with the Masonic organization including Scottish Rite and Shriners. In Bloomington, he was a curator at Beck Chapel on the IU campus, counseled students from the Kelly School of Business, on how to properly interview for a job, and was an active member of St Marks United Methodist church. In addition, he was a graduate of Leadership Bloomington and was a lifetime member of the IU Alumni Association. Ken was an excellent listener. He counselled many people throughout his life, never telling anyone what to do, but leading them to find their own solution. As a child Ken’s favorite place was the farm. He loved riding his horse, Lady, and spending time with his pup, Pee Wee. He would later pass on that love of the outdoors and animals to his children. Ken is predeceased by his parents and first child, Deb. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia, children; Nancy (Jack), Doug (Trish) and Jenn (Jim) Lewis, and son-in-law, Dave Burkhart, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bell Trace Family-First Senior Living facility in Bloomington, IN. Memorial service will be held at St. Marks United Methodist Church of Bloomington on August 12, 2023, at 2:00pm. 100 IN-46, Bloomington, IN 47408 and can be live streamed from the link below. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Bell Trace Family-First Living Center or St. Marks United Methodist Church both in Bloomington, IN. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Kenneth Edward Shidler

December 30, 1930 - June 16, 2023