Kenneth Joseph Kathol
YUMA, Ariz. — Kenneth Joseph Kathol, 84, died unexpectedly at his home in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 17, 2024.
Services were held Feb. 27 at the Westwind RV and Golf Resort ballroom, Yuma. An additional service will be held in Sioux City at a later date.
Ken was born Nov. 22, 1939, in Hartington, to Hugo and Leona (Rupiper) Kathol as the only brother to seven sisters. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School, Hartington, in 1957. He married Sylvia Janssen June 11, 1963, and together they raised seven children north of Hartington. He was a bit of a jack-of-all-trades and tried his hand at many di fferent occupations throughout his life including farming, construction and as a custodian and bus driver for the local school. In his free time, he enjoyed golf, bowling, square dancing and woodworking. He was very involved in Holy Trinity Church, Hartington, and served as an EME, prayed the rosary at Mass, sang in the choir and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Kenneth married Linda Fredericksen Rhodman April 29, 2000, and they made their home in Sioux City, Iowa. Together they enjoyed many high school, college and semi-pro sports around Sioux City and even hosted Sioux City Explorer baseball players in their home. He continued with his love of singing and dancing by joining Linda in the choir at their church and attending dances at the Eagles Club and many other venues in and around Sioux City. In 2011, they began spending part of the year in Yuma, which allowed him to work year-round on improving his golf game.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Geralda Gartner and Donna Mae Kruse; brothers-in-law, Dick Steffen and Steve Bentsen; and best friend, Vic Woodley.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Kathol; children, Denise (Mike) Olsen, Coleridge; Kevin (Jackie) Kathol, Hartington; Terry (Amy) Kathol, Lincoln; Sharon (Blair) Kalin, Hartington; Diane (Brent) Haisch, Lincoln; Marcia (Dennis) Cash, Lincoln; Stephanie (Jeff) Attema, Elk Point, S.D.; step daughter, Lisa (Tony) Brackett, New Boston, N.H., and Brooklyn and Nate Brackett, New Boston, N.H.; step son, Jeff Rhodman, Manchester, N.H.; grandchildren, Aaron, Ross and Keely Olsen, Coleridge; Ashley (Tyler) Hefner, Norfolk; Zachary Kathol, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Taylor Kathol, Yankton, S.D.; Sean Kathol, New Braunfels, Texas; Griffon Kalin, Lincoln; Caleb Kalin, Hartington; Aiden Cash, Lincoln; Piper Attema, Elk Point, S.D.; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Trey and Camden Hefner, Norfolk; sisters: Charlene (Clair) Hausman, Omaha; Arlyce (Jerome) Thoene, Hartington; Carol (Wayne) Brown, Riverton, Wyo.; Joan Steffen, Hartington; Janel (Curt) Winters, Sioux Falls, S.D.; brothers-in-law, Ron Gartner, Omaha, and John Kruse, Seward, and many nieces, nephews and good friends.