Kenneth Raymond Hartsock, of Mallard, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022.
We are heartbroken to announce the death of our father, Kenneth Raymond Hartsock. He passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by friends and family.
Kenny Hartsock was born June 4, 1928, in Emmetsburg. He was the oldest son of Raymond and Irma (Truog) Hartsock and grew up on the family farm with his five siblings (Lowell, David, Arlene, Willard Fain and Willis Fain). Kenny attended a one-room school house, located west of his father’s farm. His parents sent him to Mallard Community High School so he could play basketball. He graduated in 1945. After graduation, Kenny joined the United States Army Reserve and trained as an engineer in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program. After an honorable discharge, he married Jean Louise Pringle in Emmetsburg on Aug. 1, 1948.
Deeply in love and inseparable, they found many adventures and spent a long and happy life together. The couple moved to a farm north of Havelock, where they raised four children and farmed for 38 years. When vacationing at Niagara Falls the young parents were asked if they were newlyweds, despite having two children at home. Kenny was an amazing father who built a life full of memories with unconditional love. In 1996, Kenny and Jean moved to the family home in Mallard. Kenny and his cherished wife Jean were married for 69 years.
After farming, Kenny worked 20 years for the Department of Agriculture ASCS office in Pocahontas. Upon retirement from the Department of Agriculture, Kenny worked at Spring Hills Country Club, mowing the course, helping with maintenance, and even managing the Club House for two years. He enjoyed every minute of it. At the age of 91 he finally retired for the second time. Kenny was a member of the Methodist Church in Havelock his entire life. He was a member of the Havelock Amvet Post. He served in several Statewide posts, including 3rd Vice Commander, and was on the Sports Foundation for 13 years. He loved cooking for the Post’s dinners. Kenny was known for his honesty, a very true “man of his word.” The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Kenny, enjoying family gatherings and morning coffee with his friends. He loved golfing, homemade ice cream, and oyster stew. Kenny was deeply loved by his family and many friends and will be greatly missed.
Kenny will be greeted in heaven by his wife, Jean (2018), his parents, and three siblings. He is lovingly survived by his children: Dana (Ellie) Hartsock of Des Moines; Demaras (Brian) Newell of Storm Lake; Darry (Debbie) Hartsock of Papillion, NE and Lisa Hamilton of Tampa, FL; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and brothers, Lowell (Joy) Hartsock of Cedar Rapids, and Willis (Leola) Fain of Nevada. In addition, he is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.
Services were held Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Methodist Church in Havelock. Internment followed at Washington Cemetery near Havelock.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Online Condolences:
lentzfuneralhome.com
