KENNETH W. VAN MECHELEN "Ken"  
On September 28, 2021, Ken Van Mechelen of Bethesda, MD, beloved husband of Robin Van Mechelen, died of a pulmonary embolism. He was born July 14, 1935 to the late Julius Van Mechelen and Esther Thursack in Buffalo, New York. He had a full scholarship to the University of Buffalo, receiving a B.S. in mathematics. He later received an M.S. in computer science from George Washington University. Ken worked for IBM for 35 years. When he retired he was a Senior Systems Engineer in IBM's Federal Systems Division where his projects included NASA's Saturn rocket, Navy sonar, and the Air Force Valkyrie plane. He was a lifetime member of Mensa and the National Model Railroad Association. His interests included model railroads and military history. His marriage to Jacklyn Bruner ended in divorce. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Robin Van Mechelen of Bethesda and his loving sons from his first marriage Jonathan Van Mechelen of Royersford, Pennsylvania and Gregory Van Mechelen of Berkeley, California. A memorial service at River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda will be scheduled at a later date. No flowers please. Donations in his memory should be made to the National Model Railroad Association www.nmra.org or Beagle Rescue Education and Welfare www.brewbeagles.org. Please view and sign the guestbook at: www.PumphreyFuneralHome.com  

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