In Loving Memory
Kenneth W. Kassel
June 3, 1926 - January 13, 2025
If you would like to make a donation on behalf of Ken, please consider one of the worthy organizations listed below
Emmetsburg United Methodist Church Youth Fund
https://emmetsburgumc.com/
Palo Alto County 4-H Foundation
https://www.iowa4hgivingday.org/organizations/palo-alto-county-4-h-foundatio
Farmhouse Fraternity Foundation
https://farmhouse.org/
Palo Alto County Hospital (Designate the donation as a memorial for Kenneth Kassel)
3201 1st St.
Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Ken's funeral service will be live streamed on the Martin Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.
VISITATION
Sunday, January 19, 2025
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
MASONIC LODGE SERVICE
Sunday, January 19, 2025
7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa
SERVICE
Monday, January 20, 2025
10:30 A.M.
First United Methodist Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa
CLERGY
Rev. Kolleen Queener
MILITARY RITES
American Legion Post #173 ~ Ayrshire, Iowa
V.F.W. Post #2295 ~ Emmetsburg, Iowa
United States Army Honor Guard
INTERMENT
Silver Lake Cemetery
Ayrshire, Iowa
Kenneth William Kassel, son of David Finley and Hazel Mildred (Smith) Kassel, was born June 3, 1926 on the family farm. He grew up on the farm, and attended school at Ayrshire Silver Lake Community School, graduating in 1944. He worked at home for one year, entering into the United States Army on April 12, 1945, serving for 20 months. He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1946, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant. One year of his service was spent in Japan with the Occupational Forces.
After returning from the service, Ken attended Iowa State College, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Agriculture. He was united in marriage to Janice Wilson at the Ames Collegiate Methodist Church on December 16, 1951. Ken’s first job was with DeKalb Agriculture Association in Storm Lake, Iowa, where they started their married life. After that, Ken was sent to Monmouth, Illinois to work as a district sales manager. He was called to the main office in DeKalb, Illinois to use some of his ideas and expertise in advertising. While living in Monmouth, their son David was born. Paul and Jim were born while they lived in DeKalb. Later they were blessed with a daughter, Karen who completed their family.
The call of farming was not to be denied by Ken, and they moved to a farm near Emmetsburg in 1959 where they made their home until 1961 when they moved onto the family farm near Ayrshire. Ken loved everything about farming, especially the soil, crops and machinery. He thought that the farm would be the best place to raise his children, so they would have a background in agriculture.
Ken was always active in the community and especially his church. He became a member of the Ayrshire Methodist Church in 1943. Ken served on various boards at the church and was a school board member for the Ayrshire school for many years. Ken and Janice were later members of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg, where he served as a lay leader, trustee and a member of the finance committee. Ken was proud to have completed “A Walk to Emmaus” in 2014.
Ken was a member of the State Soil Conservation Committee for 18 years and was involved in the Palo Alto county soil conservation district for 30 years. Ken received the Iowa Master Farmer Award from Wallaces Farmer in 1993. Ken served on the Palo Alto County Hospital Board for 16 years, during a time of construction. Ken was a devoted member of the Ayrshire American Legion Post #173 and the Emmetsburg V.F.W. Post #2295, participating in the Honor Guard for countless funeral services. Ken was also a 50 year Master Mason.
Ken passed away Monday, January 13, 2025 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa, at the age of 98. He was preceded in death by his parents, David and Hazel Kassel; his wife, Janice; daughter-in-law, Cindy Kassel; and son-in-law, Joey Hutto.
He is survived by his children, David Kassel (Susan Davis) of Ayrshire, Iowa, Paul Kassel (Julie) of Spencer, Iowa, James Kassel (Patti) of Louisville, Kentucky and Karen Hutto of Lilburn, Georgia ; twelve grandchildren, Heidi Fritz (Scott), Anne Holmquist (Billy), Katie Ballay (Carlin), Cale Kassel (Katie), Brant Kassel (Lynn), Jill Leach (Will), Courtney Kassel, Jordan Kassel (Hope), Margaret Simoneaux (Tanner), Nathan Hutto, Andrew Hutto, and Samuel Hutto; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Helen Merrill of Emmetsburg, Iowa and Carol Scott of Springfield, Missouri; nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Jane (Loomis) Purcell
January 25, 2025
What a life Ken lived. I loved hearing his stories and watching him go on the tractor rides well into his 90's. He and Janice were such a sweet couple and I know Janice, family and friends in Heaven are so happy to see him. I'm sorry for Karen and his boys, he was such a nice man and I am sure you will miss him. Be Blessed, Jane and Doug
Julie Pelechek
January 21, 2025
Kassel Family, So sorry to hear about Ken. I enjoyed visiting with your parents when I would see them. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie (Loomis) & Rick Peleche
Jill and Jim Weerheim
January 21, 2025
Dave, Paul, Jim, Karen and families, We are very sorry for your loss I’m sure your dad and my dad have lots of catching up to do! Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Pauline Miller
January 19, 2025
My Sympathy to Kenneth's family.
Kapil Arora
January 18, 2025
Our sympathies and prayers for the Kassel Family.
Betty Fricke
January 18, 2025
Dave, Paul, Jim, and Karen: I am sorry for the loss of your Dad. My family was neighbors in rural Ayrshire and I have very fond memories of them then.
Kay Wilson
January 18, 2025
I remember being on the same trip to Mexico with Ken and Janice back in 2008. What a lovely couple who are now reunited in Heaven. Deepest sympathies and GODs blessing to your family
Linda Childress
January 18, 2025
DeColores Kenneth! You have finished your race and I am certain the LORD will use your love for the land in HIS kingdom. I am so very blessed to know your son, James and Patti. All your family and community will miss you.
Dick and Anne Marie Nelson
January 17, 2025
Our sympathy to each member of the Kassel family; your dad was truly one of the nicest people in whatever setting you enjoyed his warm personality. We had worked with him at a “Just feed One” event. He engaged everyone at our table, high school age and older, in conversation. He left the world is a better place with his presence in it. Repeated wishes of sympathy as you grieve his passing.
Deb Eidam
January 17, 2025
The original Sims, an affectionate name for cattle that I have cherished as a friend of Dave. I always looked forward to Dad’s weekend at FarmHouse Fraternity or visits to the farm where we talked of farming, 4-H and livestock. We also shared in our membership of the United Methodist Church. Mr. Sims was level headed and thoughtful in his decisions. I loved visiting with him and am so glad I got to see him many times over the years. Thanks Kassel kids for sharing your dad with me.
Terry & Sandra Naig
January 17, 2025
Our sincere sympathy to you Dave and your family. Precious memories for you of a life well lived by your dad.
Donna (Lowe) Whitmer
January 16, 2025
I remember Kenny as a very sweet older brother to my best friend Helen, and also my sister Kay's best friend, Carol. He was a special man. Condolences to all his family.
Lorrie (Nelson) Waggoner
January 16, 2025
So very sad to read this but he lived a good and long life. May God give you comfort at this time.
Linda & Gary (Fisher) Larson
January 15, 2025
Sincere sympathy to all of you boys and Karen on the loss of your Dad, one of the very last from the old neighborhood. Grew up in the neighborhood and rode the same school bus. Your folks were so very proud of all you kids and attended so many school activities, both as parents and because Ken was on the School Board. Remember all the good times from a long, well-lived life.
Karl Kundel
January 15, 2025
Sorry to hear about Kenny.
Sally Jordan
January 14, 2025
Ken and Janice were both wonderful neighbors. Always nice to visit with.
Dick & Judy Sample
January 14, 2025
Ken was a wonderful man and everyone loved
him. He always was friendly and welcoming! He made church a warm friendly place! We will miss him very much
JoAnn Coakley
January 14, 2025
Kassel family, I am so sorry to read of your loss. I enjoyed seeing Ken in church and greeting him. Such a kind and faithful man. He will be missed by many.
John Kundel
January 14, 2025
Kassel Family,
Aww, so sorry to read of Ken’s death. What GREAT memories I have of living across the road from you guys in the 50’s and 60’s. Your Dad/Grandfather, in my opinion, was one of the brightest and best farmers I knew. As an Iowa State grad, Ken was one of the first, in our part of the world, to be a “modern farmer”! Even as a kid, back then, I knew Ken was special. AND, the most important part, he was a model for living a kind, genuine, faithful life. What a nice man!
John
John Kundel
Florissant, MO 63034
JeanAnn Dodds-Carrigan
January 14, 2025
May you look back on the precious memories and find peace in knowing that your father raised an amazing family and will be remembered always.
I was fortunate to know Kenny since I was a teenager, being in 4-H with the Kassels. I was from Kossuth County, due to sharing our 4-H Agent, Ruth Patterson, all camps, trips and counsel meetings were held together with Palo Alto County. My Mom, Frances thought the world of Kenny, they were on the first Iowa Lakes Community College Board together. Following high school, I worked as a 4-H Assistant to Tracy Ramey, in Palo Alto County, I had the honor of working with Kenny & Janice at many events, including the county fair. Kenney was definitely a pillar in all of Palo Alto County.
Your entire family are amazing due to having incredible parents in Kenny & Janice. Lean on your sweet memories to put a smile in your hearts. Kenny will forever be missed by many. Sending deepest sympathy.
Maureen Horsley
January 14, 2025
Sympathy to you all.
I will never forget Ken sharing wonderful experiences he n Janice experienced with their travels.
Much love n many hugs to you all, Maureen n Joel
Bill/Marcie Frevert
January 14, 2025
What a life well lived! Ken will be missed. Our sincere sympathy, Bill and Marcie Frevert
Jim & Jan Stillman
January 14, 2025
Our Sympathy and prayers to the Kassel family. It was indeed an honor to know Ken and Janice. Both fantastic people.
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4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg704 Grand Avenue, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
Funeral services provided by:
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg704 Grand Avenue, Emmetsburg, IA 50536