Obituary of Kenneth Riedemann

Memorial Tribute Kenneth Henry Riedemann of Spencer Iowa, formerly of Hartley, IA, died at home on December 9, 2015 surrounded by loved ones. Kenneth was born on May 31, 1920 to Edward and Louise (Zinn) Riedemann of Hartley, and grew up on the family farm south of Hartley. He was educated at the rural school and attended Hartley High School. Kenneth entered WWII on October 13, 1942. He went to Africa in April of 1943. On September 20, Ken was in the Italian invasion of Salerno, Italy. He fought with the 345th Combat Engineers and was awarded four battle stars, three bronze stars, and his company was awarded the Presidential Citation. Ken got his Purple Heart in the battle of Mt. Casino. He reached the rank of Staff Sergeant and ended up north of Florence when the Italian Campaign ended in May of 1945. On October 13, 1946, Ken married Irene Eggars, and their marriage was blessed with two children: Karl and Nancy. Irene passed away in 1966. Ken married Connie Cooper, and this marriage was blessed with one child, Jody. Ken spent his life on the same farm where he had been raised. He gladly served his community in many ways; being a township trustee for 35 years, president of the Omega Township, and a member of the Extension Counsel. Ken also enjoyed being a 4-H leader for the local chapter. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hartley where he filled the position of Elder. Ken met his best friend and life companion, Clare Bowen, in 1993. They enjoyed farm life in rural Hartley until moving to Spencer in 2013. He is survived by Clare of Spencer, IA, his three children: Karl (Gayleen) Riedemann, Nancy (Pete) Kolb, both of Sioux Falls, SD and Jody (Bob) Jessen of Sioux City, IA. Ken has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his parents, Edward and Louise; his brother, Irvin; and sister, Caroline. Ken will be fondly remembered for never meeting a stranger, and letting everyone know his opinion. A Celebration of Life Kenneth H. Riedemann Born ~ May 31, 1920 Died ~ December 9, 2015 Age ~ 95 years 6 months 8 days Funeral Service Monday, December 14, 2015 ~ 10:30 a.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hartley, Iowa Officiating ~ Pastor Chris Nitzel Organist ~ Donna Ahlers Congregational Singing Processional ~ “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” "How Great Thou Art" Recessional ~ “Amazing Grace” Pallbearers Greg Paulsen Tim Riedemann Matt Riedemann Colton Gable Pete Kolb Bob Jessen Ushers Ed Harders ~ Harv Westerman Military Graveside Rites Arthur W. Kirchhoff Post #288 Hartley, Iowa Interment Pleasant View Cemetery Hartley, Iowa