Etscheidt, Kevin R.

Kevin R. Etscheidt, 55, of Watkins, died Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following an extended illness. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Watkins, with Father Craig Steimel as celebrant. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday also at the church. Interment will be at St. Patrick and St. Paul Catholic Cemetery near Watkins. Phillips Funeral Home in Blairstown is in charge of arrangements.

Kevin was born June 3, 1957, in Cedar Rapids, to Cyril and Donna (Mefford) Etscheidt. He lived his entire life in Watkins and graduated from Norway High School in 1975. Kevin worked for Amana Refrigeration for 30 years.

In his leisure Kevin enjoyed hunting, fishing and fixing up old tractors and cars. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Watkins.

In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by his brother, Kurt (Helga) Etscheidt of Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.

Kevin was blessed with the gift of life in receiving his first heart transplant and was currently on the waiting list for a second at the time of his death. Kevin had chosen to give the same gift to others through the Iowa Donor Network.

Published April 20, 2013 in The Gazette