Kenneth William Wiele, 80, beloved husband and father was born into eternal life on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at his home. He was born August 26, 1927 in Iron Mountain, Michigan the son of the late Walter and Beatrice (Sleeter) Wiele. Ken attended the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and Masters degrees. He began teaching music in Bessemer in 1949. On June 14, 1950 he married the love of his life, Margaurite Orness, in Kingsford, Michigan. The couple moved to Port Huron where Ken taught music in the public schools from 1952 to 1954. He began teaching in the Ironwood Schools in 1954. Ken became the Director of Bands at Ironwood High School in 1960. His career in Ironwood spanned thirty years and during that time he was influential in the lives of thousands of music students. His bands consistently performed at an extraordinarily high level and received numerous awards. Perhaps his proudest achievement was a string of 16 straight years of superior ratings in Class A at the WSMA Music Festival. Many of his former students have pursued careers in music education and performance. All four of his children have continued their father's legacy through successful music teaching careers of their own. Ken was a driving force in the area 's music community. He was a man of strong faith and for many years he was the choir director at Salem Lutheran Church. He enjoyed writing special arrangements for the church choir. Ken also was a member of the Chamber Singers vocale ensemble and conducted and arranged music for many Chamber Singers performances and regularly performed at the Ironwood Grade School concerts as an accompanist. He was gifted in jazz improvisation on the clarinet, piano and accordian. He graced many performances throughout the area with his talent. He was a ardent lover of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing at his cabin near Watersmeet. He excelled at photography and compiled an amazing collection of photos of family and friends enjoying the beauty of the Upper Peninsula. After he retired, he learned to use a computer to facilitate his music arrangements and compositions. Most of all, Ken enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Margaurite. He enjoyed and encouraged her artistic and poetic gifts. As a couple, they traveled to Norway and Austria. In addition, they traveled extensively to support their children in concert performances for many years. Ken's love and joy for life, his passion for music-making, his kindness and generosity, and love for his family will never be forgotten. Ken is survived by his wife Margaurite of 58 years, daughters Naomi (Ken) Wegmeyer, Ironwood, Linda (Edwin) Fowler, Honeybrook, PA,; Elizabeth (Michael) Peltier, Kenosha, Wis. and a son Ken (Karen) of Kenosha.; grandchildren Timothy (Atsuko) Wegmeyer, Laura (Luke) Zaccaro, Emily Wegmeyer, Daniel Fowler, Ken and Jacob Wiele, and great-grandchild Keila Wegmeyer.; and a brother Robert (Karen) Wiele, Scottsdale, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Beatrice Wiele of Kingsford, Mich., who encouraged his musical talents to the fullest. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Salem Lutheran Church with the Pastor Francis Strong officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9:30 until 11:00 AM. Memorials can be made to the Ken Wiele Memorial Music Scholarship Fund, attention Naomi Wegmeyer, N10777 Section 12 Road, Ironwood, MI 49938. To view Ken's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. The McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley are assisting the family with arrangements.