Kenneth J. Hunter

KENNETH J. HUNTER

Marion

Surrounded by his loved ones, Kenneth James Hunter, 85, of Marion, passed away in the evening hours of May 6, 2021. He ascended to Heaven to be with the love of his life, Edna, who had preceded him in death in 2015. Kenneth was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and will be greatly missed by those he has touched.

Kenneth was born in Lime Springs, Iowa, to James O. Hunter and Harriet Schmauss. He was the second oldest of four and grew up in the Cresco and Decorah area. He graduated from Notre Dame High School, where he spoke numerous times of playing his favorite sport of baseball. After graduation he went on to marry his one and only high school sweetheart, Edna R. Yirkovsky, and they were together for 57 years until her passing.

His first job was at a Piggly Wiggly, and with his hard work and dedication, he became manager of Hy-Vee stores until his retirement in the 90s. Within that retirement, Kenneth did what he had loved to do more than anything, spend time with his family.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and golf. His hobbies included taxidermy and watching the Iowa Hawkeyes. But the most important part of Kenneth's life was spending time with his wife, kids and grandkids. From traveling the country to simple rides around town, Kenneth made a point to be ever-present in the lives of his family. He went to as many extracurricular activities as he could, from baseball games to choir concerts, Kenneth lived for his family.

As a devout Catholic, he would attend Mass every week until he was unable to do so, and his faith was a very important part of who he was. He was a very social man, having a conversation with anyone and befriending many people within his neighborhood. He had made many additional friends and even the neighborhood pets looked forward to the outdoor visits. He loved animals, especially dogs, and would speak fondly of his dog Shep, growing up on the farm in Northern Iowa. He loved telling stories of his childhood growing up and reminiscing of his own grandparents, aunts and uncles. Those stories will live on through his kids and grandkids.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna; daughter, Barbara; granddaughter, Teri Ann; his parents, James Oclair and Harriet; sister, Lois Finholt and her husband Gary; brother-in-law, Richard Sanderson; in-laws, Miriam Hauser, Pat and Wayne Bridge, James and Bernadette Yirkovsky and their children Donnie and Bonnie Yirkovsky, Kenneth York, Shirley and Jerry Ottaway, Darryl and Marilyn Yirkovsky and their children Holly and Johnny Yirkovsky, Ronald Yirkovsky and Ronald's children Samantha and Kevin, Marvin Yirkovsky and Marvin's daughter Cory.

His memory will continue to live on with his children, Deborah (Ken) Burns of Cedar Rapids, Michael (Dana) of Oklahoma, Randall (Lisa) of Albert Lea, Minn., James (David) of Marion and Scott of Marion; grandchildren, Michelle (Paul) of Marion, Heather (Alex) Huegli of Mason City, Christopher (Jim) of Iowa City, Ashley Burns of Cedar Rapids, Amber (Kody) of Omaha, Neb., Andrew (Erin) of Cedar Falls, Danielle (Cody) of Albert Lea, Minn., and Amanda (Brody) of Albert Lea, Minn., and Patrick, Jonathan, Chase and Levi, all of Marion; and great-grandchildren, Parker and Zerick, with a greatgranddaughter to be born in October.

Kenneth was the rock that his family was built upon. The protector of all he loved, his life will forever be a cherished memory of those who love him dearly. May your soul be at peace in Heaven and live eternally with your Edna by your side.

Visitation will be at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at Cedar Memorial until 7 p.m. A private Mass service will be held on Wednesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Interment will be following Mass at Cedar Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Kenneth's name. "Following the continued proclamations issued by the Governor, physical distancing must be practiced which may require a limited number of people allowed into a visitation at one time. The use of facial coverings is strongly encouraged."

The family of Kenneth Hunter would like to thank Mercy Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during his final days.

Please leave a massage or tribute to the Hunter family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.