85

Dell Rapids, SD

January 6, 2021 

Kenneth was born on January 25, 1935 to Leo and Genevieve (Kopren) Heinemann in Garretson. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Garretson. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy serving on the aircraft carrier Hornet. In 1956, he was honorably discharged.

Kenneth was united in marriage to Maxine (Bee) Botten on October 17, 1959 at St. Joseph in Montevideo, Minn. They moved to California where he worked as a painter. He later return to South Dakota to help his parents run the family farm. He later purchased his own farm where he and his wife raised their six children.

In addition to farming, Kenneth worked for the ASCS agency, painted numerous homes and farm buildings. He served on the election boards and Logan Township. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Orders of Foresters and a dedicated member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. When he retired from farming, he began a new career working as an accountant for the Dell Rapids Grain Elevator.

Kenneth enjoyed gatherings with both family and friends, fishing and golfing

Left to cherish his memory was his loving wife of 61 years, Maxine (Bee) of Dell Rapids and six children, Lonny (Jacki) Heinemann of Sioux Fall, Julie (Vince) Devlin of Dell Rapids, Bruce (Nikki) Heinemann of Trent, Peggy (Brian) Shaffner of Lexington, Tenn., Debbie (Michael) Miles of Montrose, Kevin (Joy) Heinemann of Harrisburg, his sister Ida (Ervin) Stelzer of Sioux Falls; 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lee and Gen Heinemann and an infant son Jeffrey Heinemann.

Memorial Mass was held January 12, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids.  Burial will be in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.  

Arrangements provided by Minnehaha Funeral Home.