Kenneth L. Qualley

Tuesday, April 7, 2015 1:36 pm

Kenneth L. Qualley, 87, of Ridgeway, died Wednesday morning, April 1, 2015 at his home. Memorial services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, with Pastor Jeff Hansen officiating. Full military honors were presented by the Cresco Legion and VFW. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Peace Lutheran Church in Ridgeway, and Saturday beginning at 10 a.m., one hour before the service, at the church. Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah served the family. Organist was Judy Hovden. Soloist was Luann Soukup (“The Lord’s Prayer”). Congregational hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “Lift High the Cross.” Honorary bearers were Luke Baethke, Nyle Lienhard, David Lienhard Steine, Oliver Lienhard Lynch, Layton Johnson, Kole Johnson and Blake Byrnes. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.

Kenneth was born July 1, 1927, at home in rural Ridgeway, to Carl and Josephine (Hopperstad) Qualley. He was baptized and confirmed at Lincoln Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway. He graduated from Cresco High School with the class of 1945. Kenny entered the U.S. Navy May 17, 1945, and served with the rank of MM3. He was honorably discharged April 28, 1948. Kenny was united in marriage with Marian E. Dahle Oct. 20, 1950, at Madison Lutheran Church in rural Ridgeway. They were blessed with five children: Cindy, Debra, Karlene, Annette and Keith. Kenny farmed for many years and was a DeKalb Seed Corn dealer, as well as hauling milk for nine years. In 2000 Kenny stepped down from his major farming responsibilities. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, serving on the church council. He also belonged to the VFW and the Farm Bureau. Kenny enjoyed fishing and camping and especially spending time with his family.

Kenny is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marian; his four daughters: Cindy (Jim) Puffer of Cresco, Debbie Lienhard of Decorah, Karlene Jones of Cresco and Annette (Jim) Vobr of Ridgeway; seven grandchildren: Luke (Shannon) Baethke, Trina (Kevin) Ames, Tiffany Lienhard, Sadie (Kent) Johnson, Lacey Jones, Kally (Jake) Miller and Alissa Vobr; 10 great-grandchildren: Nyle Lienhard, David Lienhard Steine, Oliver Lienhard Lynch, Layton Johnson, Kole Johnson, Paisley Johnson, Blake Byrnes, Anna Tucke, Sophie Vobr Torgerson and Makiah Vobr Torgerson; and his sister, Delores (Stanley) Fretheim of Ridgeway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Josephine; his brother, Lester in infancy; and his son, Keith, Oct. 12, 2001.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to WMC Hospice, 901 Montgomery Street, Decorah, IA 52101 or Peace Lutheran Church, 2541 County Road W14, Ridgeway, IA 52165.