Kenneth Pedersen

Kenny died Tuesday morning, March 31, 2009 at the Manilla Manor Nursing Home.VisitationAfter 4:00 PM, Thursday, April 2, 2009Ohde Funeral Home, Manilla

Funeral Service

Friday, April 3, 2009, 10:30 AM

United Methodist Church, Irwin, Iowa

Reverand Keith Pals, Officiating

Music

How Great Thou Art?     One Day At A Time?

Congregation                     Ruth Ann Barry, Accompanist

Casket Bearers ~ Irwin Fire Department

Lynn Gaskill     Vernon Campbell     Wayne PlagmanNorman Campbell     Steve Gawley     Lloyd Robinson

Mike Carter     Orrin Bruhn

Honorary Casket Bearers

Ken Kaul     Perry Kelly, Jr.     Dan Hansen

All the Volunteer Members of the Irwin Fire Department

Interment with Military Honors

American Legion Post 132

Oak Hill Cemetery, Irwin, Iowa

     Elmer Kenneth, son of Jens Laurits (Laurence) and Marie (Christensen) Pedersen, was born November 22, 1923, at Galva, Iowa. He moved with his family to Harlan where his father worked at Enenbeck Plumbing & Heating. They eventually moved to an acreage west of Irwin. Kenneth attended Irwin schools, graduating with the Class of 1941. Following graduation, he worked at Martin Aircraft Plant in Omaha, NE.

   In September of 1944 Kenneth entered the United States Army at Fort Leavenworth, KS. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in November of 1946. He returned to Irwin and the business he, his father and brother Gordon had established in 1938, Pedersen and Sons, a plumbing, heating and electric business.

   Kenneth was united in marriage with Shirley Jean Newell on July 27, 1947, at her parents home near Manilla. Three daughters were born to this union. Kenneth continued to work in Irwin and the surrounding area and was devoted to the Irwin community. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and was a volunteer member of the Irwin Fire Department for fifty five years. Throughout his life, Kenneth enjoyed fishing, feeding squirrels and gardening. He grew many varieties of gladiolas and could cure most any dying plant. He was also interested in stock car racing and more recently NASCAR racing.

   After the death of his wife Shirley in 1991, Kenneth remained in their home until his health started to fail. He became a resident of the Manilla Manor Nursing Home and died there on Tuesday, March 31, 2009, at the age of 85 years, 4 months and 9 days.

   Preceding him in death are his parents; wife; brother Gordon Pedersen; two brothers-in-law Harold Wetzel and Donald Bub Newell; and special friend Diane Greer.

   Survivors include his three daughters: Debbie and Ken Kaul of LeClaire; Betty and her husband Dan Hansen of Manilla; and Mary Ellen and her husband Perry Kelley, Jr. of Harlan; seven grandchildren: Kelly Kaul and fianc Chris Menge; Dr. Patrick Kaul and wife Eli; David Hansen; Kristi Hansen and Chad Goodrich; Marsha Hansen; Michael Kelley and Tara Schimmel; and Andrea and her husband Vince Guyer; five great-grandchildren: Alexis Hansen, Madeleine Wells, Mercedes Wells, Dawson Hansen and Aiden Wells; sister Vernie Wetzel of Overland Park, KS; sister-in-law Margaret Pedersen of Omaha, NE; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.