Kenneth William Coenen
June 19, 1922 — March 3, 2018
Kenneth William Coenen, son of Henry and Agnes (Stoll) Coenen was born June 19, 1922 in Westphalia Iowa. He was baptized, confirmed and graduated high school at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia.
In high school, Ken played baseball and basketball, and was captain of the basketball team his senior year when they won 3rd place in the Iowa Catholic High School Basketball Tournament in Des Moines. Ken later shared his love of sports with his three sons and grandchildren.
After high school, he began farming immediately, first with his father, and then independently. He met the love his life, Verena, at the Shelby County Fair. They married in April, 1945 and moved to a small farm between Harlan and Defiance. In 1955, they moved to a farm near Woodbine, where they would raise their family. In the mid-60's they purchased the farm. Ken loved his life on the farm with Verena, raising their children and working with livestock, pets and field work. Ken was an ASC committee member and sold seed corn part-time for several years. In all the years they farmed together, they had a very successful farm operation and never lost a crop.
Ken was active in the church and Knights of Columbus. He and Verena were accomplished card players and were active in card clubs, both in Woodbine and Harlan. They took every opportunity to play cards with family and friends. Ken retired in 1987 and moved to the house they had just built in Harlan. At the age of 62, Ken took up the sport of golf and became quite accomplished. He loved the sport and it filled his summer months. He continued to play into his 90's. When he couldn't be outside, Ken would meet his friends to bowl, play basketball, play pool and of course, cards.
Ken was a devoted father and wonderful husband. In the last several years, Ken was a loving care-giver to Verena, keeping her home with him as long as he possibly could. After she passed, he remained living in their family home, cherishing his memories of her and their lives together. When his health declined, Ken was more than ready to be reunited with his beloved wife and was thrilled to spend his final days at home with his children and grandchildren.
Ken died March 3, 2018 at home surrounded by family, attaining the age of 95 years. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Verena (Wilwerding), and brothers, Ray and Henry Jr.
He is survived by children Linda and her husband Tom Boswell of Los Alamitos, California; Robert Coenen and his wife Teri of Cozad, Nebraska; Richard Coenen and his wife Elaine, of Omaha, Nebraska; Randy Coenen and his wife Teresa of Woodbine; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernice Stracke of Avoca and Marilyn Rauterkus of Omaha; sister-in-law Dorothy Coenen of Woodbine; nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.other family members and friends.
In high school, Ken played baseball and basketball, and was captain of the basketball team his senior year when they won 3rd place in the Iowa Catholic High School Basketball Tournament in Des Moines. Ken later shared his love of sports with his three sons and grandchildren.
After high school, he began farming immediately, first with his father, and then independently. He met the love his life, Verena, at the Shelby County Fair. They married in April, 1945 and moved to a small farm between Harlan and Defiance. In 1955, they moved to a farm near Woodbine, where they would raise their family. In the mid-60's they purchased the farm. Ken loved his life on the farm with Verena, raising their children and working with livestock, pets and field work. Ken was an ASC committee member and sold seed corn part-time for several years. In all the years they farmed together, they had a very successful farm operation and never lost a crop.
Ken was active in the church and Knights of Columbus. He and Verena were accomplished card players and were active in card clubs, both in Woodbine and Harlan. They took every opportunity to play cards with family and friends. Ken retired in 1987 and moved to the house they had just built in Harlan. At the age of 62, Ken took up the sport of golf and became quite accomplished. He loved the sport and it filled his summer months. He continued to play into his 90's. When he couldn't be outside, Ken would meet his friends to bowl, play basketball, play pool and of course, cards.
Ken was a devoted father and wonderful husband. In the last several years, Ken was a loving care-giver to Verena, keeping her home with him as long as he possibly could. After she passed, he remained living in their family home, cherishing his memories of her and their lives together. When his health declined, Ken was more than ready to be reunited with his beloved wife and was thrilled to spend his final days at home with his children and grandchildren.
Ken died March 3, 2018 at home surrounded by family, attaining the age of 95 years. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his wife, Verena (Wilwerding), and brothers, Ray and Henry Jr.
He is survived by children Linda and her husband Tom Boswell of Los Alamitos, California; Robert Coenen and his wife Teri of Cozad, Nebraska; Richard Coenen and his wife Elaine, of Omaha, Nebraska; Randy Coenen and his wife Teresa of Woodbine; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernice Stracke of Avoca and Marilyn Rauterkus of Omaha; sister-in-law Dorothy Coenen of Woodbine; nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.other family members and friends.
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