White, Kenneth Allen 1914 - 2015

WHITE, HARDESTY, LINDERMAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/20/2015 at 10:41:44

Kenneth Allen White joined his beloved wife Lillian in Heaven on Wednesday March 11th, 2015 around 5:00 in the morning, chore time. In his final moments, with his last breaths, his gentle face beheld a look of surprised delight. Those at his bedside swear they heard his rapturous exclamation, “well if there ain’t Lil!” followed by her quick laughing response, “what took you so long Pa?”

In our mind’s eye we imagine Lilly then ushering Kenny to their heavenly farmstead where the cows are in the barn, waiting in their stanchions, with udders washed and milkers on. Ken and Lil, in their work clothes, are leaning against the freshly white washed walls making small talk and catching up, while they await milker change. The radio is no doubt tuned to KOEL and plays an old Hank Williams or Johnny Horton song. Lil’s musical laughter rings through the air accompanied by Ken’s throaty chuckle. A white, fluffy “snowball” of a dog likely lies at their feet. There may even be a great-grandchild or two, one of which shares his name, fast asleep on a hay bale, safely tucked in under papa’s work coat.

Kenneth was born on October 31st, 1914 in Brooks, Iowa to Alfred and Evalyne (Hardesty) White. At a young age his parents moved the family to rural Howard County, near Cresco. From there, Ken grew to adulthood alongside his three brothers and much adored little sister. He was born with farming in his blood. Ever a hard worker, Ken helped with the family operation before venturing out on his own. He and Lil not only worked tirelessly, side by side, on the farm they built together, but they also did custom work for others. Ken remained a farmer until begrudgingly retiring at the age of 72. Never to be idle, farming was replaced with gardening. He busied his mind and body with planning, planting and then tending to his always large gardens. About this time every year he could be found sitting at the kitchen table thumbing through that season’s Gurney’s seed catalog. Although Ken relocated to Hawkeye, Iowa, to be “closer to the grandkids,” about 20 years ago, his heart remained with the people of Cresco. In fact, up until his death this past week, he maintained his subscription to the Times Plain Dealer so he could keep up with local news. Only now, instead of reading about his lifelong friends and neighbors, who are largely deceased, he enjoyed learning of their survivors, always recognizing familiar last names.

With a patriotic heart, Ken tried to enlist, along with his brother Harold, in the United States Army during World War II. Though he was proud of his brother’s acceptance into the military at that time, Ken always spoke with disappointment about being turned away due to a hand injury. However, in 1942, at the age of 27, Ken was drafted by the Army in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, where if memory serves correctly, his brother Harold was actually stationed at the time. Ken proudly served in the Pacific Theater. He spent time in New Guinea, the Philippines and Puerto Rico. He climbed to the rank of sergeant and was considered an “expert machine gunner”. Ken was honorably discharged on August 27th 1945 at Fort Leavenworth Kansas.

Kenneth and Lillian were married on October 17th 1949. Into the marriage, Lil brought with her one son, Robert Linderman, and together they had a son, Roger Allen. Always a quiet, private man, Ken hid a big, beautiful heart full of great and powerful love for his family. What he perhaps failed to express verbally to those who came before, could no longer be contained as his precious granddaughters entered, one by one, into the world. They were undoubtedly the delights of his heart. His love for them never dulled, but grew brighter with time. In fact, Ken seemed to crave their presence and be energized by his affections for them. So much so that he had trouble releasing from this life, that is, until sending “his Lil” home to be with Jesus in January of this year. It was then that Ken began his decline, loosened his grip and had to say “so long” to loved ones here and go to her, his time had come.

Along with hardworking, Ken was a simple, quiet and humble, yet proud, man. He was astute with a keen sense of intelligence, sharp wit and remarkable sense of humor. Though life was serious business, he didn’t take things too seriously, never “sweating the small stuff” too much! In response to the trouble his sons, and later his grandchildren, found themselves in, Ken would shake his head, raise his eyebrows, shrug his shoulders and chuckle, as if to say, “what are you gonna do, but love ‘em?” Ken was also a selfless man, who never passed up the opportunity to lend a hand, partake in a friendly conversation or play a game of cards. He never met anyone who did not become a quick friend. From Clarence “the milk hauler”, John “the banker” and Beverly “the bull” to Selmer “the milk tester”, all had a special place at his table. His fried eggs, toast and bacon breakfasts were famous and much enjoyed, along with the fellowship he and Lil offered! Ken had an uncanny way of attuning himself to every person he engaged with. People, along with their stories, quite simply mattered to him. Those individuals, who were fortunate enough to meet up with Ken along life’s path, were met with a hearty hello and a reluctant good bye. One could not help but walk away feeling appreciated and knowing that they been both “seen and heard.”

Kenneth is survived by his son Roger, daughter-in-law Tammy; granddaughters Richelle (Thomas),Nicolette (Daryl), Renessa (Ryan), Michelle (Adan), Kelly Rae (Adam) and Brenda, an abundance of great grandchildren, his much loved sister-in-law Josephine, numerous nieces and nephews, countless friends, including a few exceptional Maple Crest caregivers (who know who they are), and a rich legacy of love. He was preceded in death by his wife Lillian, son Robert, parents Alfred and Eva, brothers Howard, Harold and Russell, sister Maxine, and several sisters and brothers-in-law.

It is with sad hearts that those left behind, bid Ken a temporary farewell. Until together again in heaven, his granddaughters say one last earthly, “I love you Papa, I love you two papa, I love you three papa!” Surely to be echoed by his glad “I love you too…I love you too…I love you too… I love you all!”

Visitation:
12:30 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Service:
2:00 pm on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Lindstrom Funeral Home in Cresco.

Cemetery:
Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cresco, Iowa.

Source: Lindstrom Funeral Home database

Oak Lawn Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen