Kenneth Marvin Pick

Kenneth Marvin Pick, 69 years old, passed away at his home in Spencer, IA on Thursday, November 2, 2017 surrounded by his family after a courageous 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

     Kenneth Marvin Pick, son of Andrew Joseph and Mary Bertha Poeckes Pick, was born March 16, 1948 in LeMars, IA. He lived on the family farm until his father passed away and he moved to Remsen, IA with his mother. Kenny attended Saint Mary’s Catholic School and worked for Jack Theil Tire Service.  He graduated from Saint Mary’s Catholic School in 1966. Following graduation, he was employed by the West Iowa Telephone Company in Remsen as a Lineman and Assistant Trouble Shooter. In 1967, Ken enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served until his honorable discharge in 1973.  Ken married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Elizabeth (Betty) Hodgen on November 8, 1969.  After their wedding, they lived in Urbandale, IA while he attended DMACC and worked part-time for UPS.  After earning his Associate’s Degree in Electronics, he and Liz made their home in Spencer, IA.

     Ken was a Delivery Driver for UPS for 33 years. After retiring in 2005, he started his business: Pick-A-Handyman. For the next 12 years, he worked as a handyman, doing what he loved. Ken was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Spencer Jaycees and the American Legion. He volunteered his time with the YMCA gymnastics and swim team programs, and as a softball and baseball coach when his children were participants.

    Ken was always the first person to lend a hand to his family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Ken had a gift for fixing things, and loved to tinker in his workshop. He was a talented woodworker and craftsman, and created many treasured pieces for his family.  Ken enjoyed working on his home, and took great pride in his bountiful garden and beautiful landscaping.  Ken was a kind, patient, gentle man, and a positive role model to all who knew him. He took amazing care of his family, always putting their needs before his own. He will be remembered as a good man, a loving husband, devoted father, caring grandfather, dear brother, cherished uncle, and loyal friend.

     He will be welcomed in Heaven by his parents; his in-laws, Glen and Martha (Keffeler) Hodgen; his sister, Mary Lea Harpenau; sister-in-law, Rosie Pick; brothers-in-law, Clayton Harnack and Bob Hodgen; nieces Jackie Husman and Mary Sheehan, and nephew in-law Pat Sheehan.

     Ken will be deeply missed by his wife of 47 years, Liz of Spencer; his daughters: Angela Pick of North Mankato, MN and Camela (Matt) Hinkeldey of Spencer, IA; his son, Dr. Andrew (Melissa) Pick of Spencer, IA; his grandsons Tanner, Jackson, and Riley Bruning of North Mankato; Sam and Gus Hinkeldey; and Ethan Pick of Spencer; his two brothers: Marvin Pick (Donna) of Marcus, IA, Paul (Marlene) Pick of Remsen, IA; his sister Patricia Harnack of Remsen, IA; and his brother-in-law, Jim Harpenau of Remsen, IA.

     In addition to his immediate family, Ken leaves behind his brothers-in-law Larry Hodgen and special friend Jo Thayer of Colorado Springs, CO; Bill Hodgen (Dottie) of Omaha, NE; John Hodgen (Pat) of Remsen, IA; sisters-in-law Mary Barry (Jack) of St. Petersburg, FL; Carol Dexter of Remsen, IA; Kathy Castle (Bill) of Des Moines, IA; Rose Loutsch (Steve) of Remsen, IA; and many special nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

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