Kenneth R. Kwikkel

Sioux Center, IA

     Kenneth R. Kwikkel, age 86 of Sioux Center, IA died Saturday, July 13, 2019 at his home in Sioux Center.

     Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, July 19, 2019 at Memorial Funeral Home in Sioux Center, IA with Reverend Roger Voskuil, officiating. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery at Sioux Center, IA.

     Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at Memorial Funeral Home of Sioux Center.

     Kenneth Ralph Kwikkel was born February 28, 1933 to Arnold and Katherine (Blank) Kwikkel in Bureau, Illinois. He was raised in Bureau, Illinois and Sheldon, Iowa before settling in Sioux Center. Kenneth graduated from Sioux Center High School. Ken continued his education at Iowa State University, completing 3 years of the Engineering program. Ken graduated from Northwestern College, double majoring in Psychology and Religion.

     Kenneth joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served from August 1950 until September of 1953. Ken served aboard the USS Wright aircraft carrier and the C.K. Bronson destroyer in Korea, where he earned one battle star.

     He was united in marriage to Mary Van Steenwyk on August 15, 1951 in Luverne, Minnesota. To this union, two children were born, Kenneth J. and Miriam. They raised their family in Sioux Center. They owned Kwikkel Kleaners in Sioux Center until 1959. Ken worked road construction for JL Healy in South Dakota, worked at Joe’s Ready Mix, then retired from COOP Agronomy.

     Ken was a member of the Central Reformed Church and the VFW. He enjoyed reading anything he could gain knowledge from. He had terrific mechanical knowledge. He will be remembered as a hard worker, dependable, and a caring person.

     He is survived by his son, Kenneth Jacob Kwikkel of Sioux Center, IA; five grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and son-in-law, Ronald Muth of Ireton, IA.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Katherine; wife, Mary; daughter, Miriam Muth; and his grandparents.