Kelchen, Kenneth G.

Kenneth G. Kelchen, 63, of Dyersville, died Saturday, March 17, 2012, at his residence after a brief but courageous bout with cancer. Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, where a vigil service will be held at 3 p.m. and a Knights of Columbus rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 21, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica, with burial in St. Paul's Cemetery, Worthington. The Rev. Dennis Quint will officiate.

Ken was born Aug. 10, 1948, the son of Alphonse and Germaine (Recker) Kelchen. He attended St. Paul's school, where he was a member of the last graduating class. He married Linda M. Hocking on Feb. 13, 1971, in Marion, Iowa.

Ken farmed for many years in the Hopkinton/Worthington area and was an active member of the Delaware County Dairy Council, where he served as president for two years. His love of the land never left him after leaving the farm; proof could be seen in his sweet corn.

His faith was very important to him. After moving to Dyersville he became active in the Knights of Columbus, where he became a fourth degree knight and later served as Grand Knight of Council 1734.

He enjoyed his family, visiting his children and was an active volunteer in the community. Ken especially enjoyed sparring with a neighbor over the merits of “Red” vs. “Green” in tractors.

Survivors include his wife, Linda, five children, Sean of Overland Park, Kan., Kimberly (Javier) Arevalo of Phoenix, Ariz., Kevin (Mimi) of Columbus, Ohio, Peter of Dyersville and Andrew of Overland Park, Kan.; siblings, Ron (Mickey) Kelchen of Dyersville, Dan “Duke” (Vickie) Kelchen and Mary (David) Benke, both of Cascade, Joan (Rod) Meyer of Worthington, Bev (Bill) Hentges of St. Louis, Mo., and Deb (Al) Brunsmann of Dyersville; brother-in-law, Tom (Sheila) Hocking of Solon; and mother-in-law, Mary Hocking of Marion.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jane Blank; and father-in-law, Don Hocking.

Memorials are preferred.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.

Published March 19, 2012 in The Gazette