Gary John Kenkel
August 13, 1947 — April 6, 2024
Gary John Kenkel was born on the farm near Earling, Iowa to Vincent and Irene (Erlbacher) Kenkel on August 13, 1947. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Earling. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1966. After his graduation he was drafted into serving his country in the National Guard stationed in Germany for 2 years. After his discharge he remained active until 1979 when he cared for his family. When he returned home from his tour of duty, he started working for Harlan Contracting.
Then he fell in love with his girlfriend, Jo Ann Marie Klein and were married on May 6, 1972. To this union two sons were born, Donald and Dewayne. After their marriage, Gary became a member of the American Legion Post No. 150 and the Knights of Columbus Council #3900 and served as Grand Knight and District Deputy for two terms. He was an active fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also helped with the scouting program as kitchen help for the Ohwahnasee District at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch north of Pisgah, Iowa. After Harlan Contracting, Gary worked a year with Jacobs Well Drilling then went to work with the Shelby County Road Department. After being released he went to work at Oakland Foods for 5 years and was put on disability after knee surgery. Then he went into retirement where he spent his time watching TV programs, spending time with grandkids, playing cards (especially pitch), and doing word finds.
Gary died on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Dunlap Specialty Care in Dunlap, Iowa, attaining the age of seventy-six years, seven months, and twenty-four days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Irene Kenkel, and sister-in-law Bernice Kenkel.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann of 51 years of marriage; sons, Donald and his wife Ashley and their children, Brooklynn, Brayden and Brock; Dewayne who is single; brother, Neil Kenkel of Eagan, MN; many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
Then he fell in love with his girlfriend, Jo Ann Marie Klein and were married on May 6, 1972. To this union two sons were born, Donald and Dewayne. After their marriage, Gary became a member of the American Legion Post No. 150 and the Knights of Columbus Council #3900 and served as Grand Knight and District Deputy for two terms. He was an active fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He also helped with the scouting program as kitchen help for the Ohwahnasee District at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch north of Pisgah, Iowa. After Harlan Contracting, Gary worked a year with Jacobs Well Drilling then went to work with the Shelby County Road Department. After being released he went to work at Oakland Foods for 5 years and was put on disability after knee surgery. Then he went into retirement where he spent his time watching TV programs, spending time with grandkids, playing cards (especially pitch), and doing word finds.
Gary died on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Dunlap Specialty Care in Dunlap, Iowa, attaining the age of seventy-six years, seven months, and twenty-four days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Irene Kenkel, and sister-in-law Bernice Kenkel.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann of 51 years of marriage; sons, Donald and his wife Ashley and their children, Brooklynn, Brayden and Brock; Dewayne who is single; brother, Neil Kenkel of Eagan, MN; many nieces and nephews, relatives, and friends.
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