Kenneth Joseph Kathol, age 84, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Yuma, AZ, on February 17, 2024. Ken was born November 22, 1939, in Hartington, NE, to Hugo and Leona (Rupiper) Kathol as the only brother to seven sisters. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hartington in 1957. He married Sylvia Janssen on 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 different 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 in Hartington and served as an EME, prayed the rosary at mass, sang in the choir and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. On April 29, 2000, he married Linda Fredericksen Rhodman and they made their home in Sioux City, IA. 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 the choir at his church in Sioux City and Westwind in Yuma, AZ, and attending dances with Linda at the Eagles Club and many other venues in and around Sioux City. In 2011 they began spending part of the year in Yuma, AZ, 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, NE; Kevin (Jackie) Kathol, Hartington, NE; Terry (Amy) Kathol, Lincoln, NE; Sharon (Blair) Kalin, Hartington, NE; Diane (Brent) Haisch, Lincoln, NE; Marcia (Dennis) Cash, Lincoln, NE; Stephanie (Jeff) Attema, Elk Point, SD; Step-daughter Lisa (Tony) Brackett, New Boston, NH; Brooklyn and Nate Brackett, New Boston, NH; Step-son Jeff Rhodman, Manchester, NH; grandchildren: Aaron, Ross and Keely Olsen, Coleridge, NE; Ashley (Tyler) Hefner, Norfolk, NE; Zachary Kathol, Sioux Falls, SD; Taylor Kathol, Yankton, SD; Sean Kathol, New Braunfels, TX; Griffon Kalin, Lincoln, NE; Caleb Kalin, Hartington, NE; Aiden Cash, Lincoln, NE; Piper Attema, Elk Point, SD; great-grandchildren: Hunter, Trey and Camden Hefner, Norfolk, NE; sisters: Charlene (Clair) Hausman, Omaha, NE; Arlyce (Jerome) Thoene, Hartington, NE; Carol (Wayne) Brown, Riverton, WY; Joan Steffen, Hartington, NE; Janel (Curt) Winters, Sioux Falls, SD; brothers-in-law: Ron Gartner, Omaha, NE and John Kruse, Seward, NE and many nieces, nephews and good friends including Rich Michaelis.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Westwind RV & Golf Resort ballroom Yuma, AZ. An additional service will be held Friday, May 31, 2024, at 11:00 at Morningside Luthern Church 700 S. Martha Street  Sioux City, IA  51106