Kenneth David Peckosh

KENNETH DAVID PECKOSH

Robins

Kenneth David Peckosh

A little of the fun, laughter and good-natured teasing left this world on Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021, with the passing of Ken Peckosh. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 20, at Cedar Memorial from 3 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service following. A livestream of the prayer service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Kenneth David Peckosh, under the video tab starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 20. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Ken was born Sept. 12, 1951. He was the middle child of parents M.R. "Peck" and Myrtle Peckosh, who opened Green Thumb Nursery in 1956 when Ken was just five years old. He grew up with a green thumb working in the family business. In 1980, Ken and his sisters became partners and owners of Peck's Green Thumb, where he owned and managed the garden center until closing the business in 2017. He married his wife, Shirley, in 1969. They became a team, working to raise their family, growing their business and enjoying their life together. Ken helped bring "color" to many lives, with a prettier landscape, greener environment and a bright sense of humor.

Ken's gift was his ability to take a true interest in people, whether they were customers, the many staff members who were part of his Peck's family, longtime friends or new acquaintances. He loved people, loved to tease and to get a laugh. He spoke to nearly everyone he encountered. His beard, ball cap and glasses often hid his smile, but the twinkle in his eye and quick laugh displayed his kind heart.

Ken touched many lives with the friendships he made during his involvement as a member of the Linn-Mar school board, Hiawatha Lions Club and YMCA Indian Guides. From age 18-68, Ken never missed an annual meeting of the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association, where he served as president among other offices. He was proud to be an Iowa Certified Nursery Professional. Coaching his children and their friends in flag football, and Little League baseball and softball, were some of his happiest memories. He most enjoyed encouraging and celebrating his children and grandchildren in their many interests.

Ken left this world and joined his parents and grandparents; his brothers, Jim and Tom; grandson, Beau; and other relatives and friends.

Those who will miss him most and cherish so many memories are Shirley; children, Brett Peckosh, Sara and Matt Janssen; the grandchildren who lovingly call him Papa, Benjamin, Libby, Tommy, Sammy and Isabella; sisters, Pat (Russ) Hines and Pam (Craig) DeSotel; and family Claire, Dianne, Tom, Janet, Jill, Janet Mary and Marilyn; many nieces, nephews and dear friends; and his Lolly-Doodle.

As a memorial to Ken, please plant a tree next spring or direct donations to Camp Tanager or Linn County Food Bank.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.