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Kenneth F. Ketchum

10/18/1932 - 06/03/2023

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Obituary For Kenneth F. Ketchum

Kenneth F. Ketchum born October 18, 1932 in Hurstville, IA, the fifth child and second son of Charles and Henrietta Ketchum. He passed away on June 3, 2023. Kenneth married Barbara Jean Victorine of Hilo, Hawaii on July 17, 1954 at Donaldson AFB, Greenville, SC. She preceded him in death on April 16, 1998. On July 31, 2005 he married Rilda Pengra of Hot Springs, SD. Mr Ketchum was veteran of the US Air Force, serving 22 years, retiring August 1972. After his retirement from the military he was employed for eighteen years by the Department of Veterans Affairs, retiring in 1989. The family moved to Lansing, KS in March 1977. He served over 21 years on the Lansing City Council, retiring in 2007. He moved to Hot Springs, SD in 2007. He later moved to Rapid City, SD. He was a life member of American Legion Post 514 in West Branch, IA, a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Chapter 56, Leavenworth, KS and a life member of Disabled Veterans Chapter #7, Leavenworth, KS. Mr Ketchum served as Department Commander, Disabled American Veterarns, Department of Kansas from 2001 to 2003. He is survived by his wife Rilda of Rapid City, South Dakota, three sons, Charles of Crestview, FL, Clifford of Kerrville TX and Frank of Lansing, KS. He is also survived by four stepchildren, Mark Pengra, Bruce Pengra , Drew Pengra and Jill Pengra Wilson. He is survived by one brother of Miami, FL. several grandchilden and several great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by His wife Barbara, daughter Dothrae Ketchum, infant son, parents, four sisters and two brothers. Per Mr. Ketchum\'s request, there will be private burial at the West Branch Cemetery, West Branch, IA.

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  • 04/09/2024

    Thank you Ken for being our friend and neighbor. Our talks and your insights are special. Your neighbors, Rich and Arnie - Posted by Arnie and Rich on June 7, 2023

  • 04/09/2024

    Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Rilda and the Ketchum/Pengra family. Ken always treated us like family. We have so many wonderful memories of the times we spent with him. His love and kindness will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace dear friend. - Posted by Judd & Cheryl Sparagon on June 8, 2023

  • 04/09/2024

    Thanks for your service - Posted by A Veteran on June 12, 2023

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