Kenneth A. Dehm, 105, formally of Batavia, passed away on March 19, 2024 at Atria Greece Assisted Living. He was born on February 27, 1919 in Syracuse, NY; third son of Edward and Anna (Wahl) Dehm. In addition to his parents, Ken is predeceased by his wife; Teresa (Tretter) Dehm; brothers Harold, Donald and Robert.
His first job began at age 11 as a paper boy, covering many country miles on his bike to supplement his family income during the Depression. After graduating from East Syracuse High School, Ken worked for GLF in Middletown, NY. Pearl Harbor on 12/7/41 changed the course of his life when he enlisted in the Navy on January 1st, 1942. He served until 1-23-46, with three years on board the USS Barnegat AVP-10, a seaplane tender in the North and South Atlantic, and one year with the Air Ferry Service Squadron at Floyd Bennett Field, NY, escorting fighter planes across the USA.
After serving in WW2, he went back to HS for one year to qualify for entrance to college. Ken graduated from Cornell University in 1950 with a BS degree in Economics. He was selected to Ho Nun De Kah, an honor society for men majoring in agriculture. He met and married the beautiful Teresa Tretter while living in Batavia, NY, who remains the love of his life. He worked for J.I. Case Co., then on to Climax Co. in Batavia as Vice President and Financial Comptroller. He retired from Jones Chemical in Leroy, NY at the age of 70. He was also a member of the Honor Society for Men at St. Mary’s Church in Batavia. He enjoyed playing cribbage for many years with a gregarious group of friends, including some Saturday Poker! He traveled three times to the Pacific with his lovely bride, through all states of the US. He is forever grateful to his neighbors and friends, Sam, Terry, and Carl for keeping a watchful eye and clear yard, and friends for all the rides to and from cribbage! The last two years of his life he spent at Atria Greece Assisted Living where he was well loved. Living there reignited his love of art and competitive and collaborative play….many, many thanks to the compassionate staff and residents for making Ken’s last two years happy ones.
Ken is survived by one brother; Ray Dehm and sister Annamae Herholtz whom he deeply loves, as well as his 3 children; Marie (Craig) Peterson, John (Laurie) Dehm and Jayne (Mark) Mariano; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who have all inherited a bit of his tenacity!
Please extend a random act of kindness in his honor, and feel free to let his children know of your experience….our hearts will sing in the knowing!
Friends are invited to call on Monday March 25, 2024 from 9:30AM-11:30AM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main Street Batavia, NY 14020. An 11:30AM Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum in Batavia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Crossroads House www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.
