Kenneth M. “Kenny” Gardalen, 93

Kenneth M. “Kenny” Gardalen, 93, formerly of Latimer, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at the Franklin Country View Nursing Facility in Hampton. He was born on January 6, 1927, in Dows, Iowa, to Melvin and Alma (Hanson) Gardalen.

Kenny was baptized at the Lutheran Church in Dows and graduated from Dows High School.

Kenny served his country in the United States Army as a Private First Class during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He was stationed in Germany. He was united in marriage to Ilene Mary Kelling on April 8, 1951, in Clarion.

Kenny worked hard his entire life to provide for his family. He worked as a farm hand for many years, as an employee for Custom Farm Services/FS in Alexander, and as a janitor for Dudley’s Corner in Latimer.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Latimer where he and Ilene spent every Sunday morning in the same pew to listen to the pastor’s sermons.

He enjoyed walking a lot, so much that he would walk up and down I-35 and Hwy 3 cleaning up discarded aluminum cans that others tossed away. He collected so many, he was able to purchase a car, which was something he was very proud of.

Kenny is survived by his daughters Eleanor (Dave) Dudley of Latimer and Linda Christensen of Bettendorf, grandchildren Jen (Brad) Newbauer, Matthew Green, Garrett (Natalie) Fahrmann, Sherry (Jon) Jordan, Carrie Fahrmann, Aaron (Heidi) Fahrmann, Samantha Fahrmann, Kacy (Nate) Johnson and great-grandchildren Riley, Kinsley, Bryce, Emily, JD, Joshua, Zachary, Aria and Lyanna.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ilene of 56 years; siblings Orville and Opal; granddaughter Misty Green; and parents Melvin and Alma.

The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to the Franklin Country View Nursing Facility and Hospice of North Iowa staff for their amazing care of Kenny during his stay and a special thank you to the Apple Valley Assisted Living Facility for the years he was a resident.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in memory of Kenny to PO Box 741, Latimer, Iowa, 50452.

Private family graveside services were held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Latimer. The Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home of Hampton assisted Kenny’s family.

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