PERKY PROMENADERS
Square and Round Dance Club

Celebrating 61 years: July 1963 - July 2024



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In loving memory of

Kenneth E. Degen

September 27, 1941 - July 13, 2018


Ken and Murphy met square dancing at the Perky Promenaders. Ken was a great "angel," always smiling and encouraging our new dancers. He will be remembered fondly.

Ken "Pop-Pop" was born in Queens, New York. His last adventure was vacationing in Cape May, New Jersey. He graduated from Farmingdale (NY) State University with an Associate's Degree in Engineering in 1961. He proudly served in the US Army from 1961 to 1964, where he met his wife Karen (Meyer) Degen while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. They were married for 42 years prior to her death in 2005. Ken worked for the New York State Department of Transportation for over 30 years as a civil engineer until his retirement in 2003. It was a job he truly enjoyed, and he made many lasting friendships during his tenure.

He was lucky enough to find a kindred spirit, and another love, with Murphy Hunsberger. They married on March 29, 2009, and were married for over 9 years, spending every minute they could together. You could find them traveling around the U.S., to Canada, and Bermuda, on bicycles, kayaking, or twirling on the dance floor with their square-dance friends.

Ken was outgoing, with a larger-than-life personality. He enjoyed being surrounded by family, friends, and especially his grandkids. His love for adventure would often include trains, boats, and planes; but locally, you could find him for breakfast at the Energy Station enjoying a cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee. Ken was a positive, compassionate, and giving individual, and he will be greatly missed by all.