Green, Kenneth M. -- 1904 - 1994

BOLLMAN, GREEN, STOESSEL, SHEPHERD, MCLAIN, RYAN, SHARPE, LEE, CABANISS

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 12/9/2007 at 19:23:11

Kenneth M. Green

Kenneth M. Green, son of Edward W. and Maggie (Bollman) Green, was born Dec. 21, 1904 in rural Winneshiek County. He was born on the farm that was homesteaded by his great-grandfather in 1851, the farm he called home for his entire life except for nine years. He died April 1, 1994 at Alma, Georgia. He was 89.

He married Elaine Marie Stoessel of Ottumwa on March 25, 1925, at Ames, Iowa, the day they both graduated from Iowa State College. Their children were born during the nine years they lived in Kane County, Ill., where Kenneth was a Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) supervisor and later managed a purebred herd of Holstein cattle which earned national recognition for production and showing performance.

In 1934, they returned to Maplewood Farm, where his farming operation included general crop farming and purebred milking Shorthorn cattle, as well as the traditional maple syrup production, which at the time was one of the largest in Iowa. The syrup enterprise was conducted with the same commitment he made to other things in his life he valued -- top quality and with generous measure.

After the death of Elaine, he recognized the value of recording history. He devoted time and study to the written preservation of family and local history. One of his writings about the old mills on the Yellow River is the subject of a seven-page documentary in the 1989 History of Allamakee County.

He married Louise "Skippy" Sharpe in 1975 at Alma, Georgia. In their retirement years, they enjoyed traveling while they were able. His travels included visits to 43 countries, including numerous crossings of the equator and the Arctic Circle. He was a member of Upsilon Sigma Alpha Fraternity at Iowa State College, the Holstein-Friesian Association, the American Milking Shorthorn Society, a charter member of the Bloomfield Township Historical Society, and the Iowa State University Alumni Association.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Ralph and Chester; his sisters Irene Shepherd and Bernice McLain; his wife, Elaine; and his granddaughter, Angie Green. He is survived by his wife, Louise; his sons Kenneth Ted and his wife Phyllis of Eldridge, and Dr. Edward W. II and his wife Kay of Indio, Calif.; and his daughter, Ruth Elaine and her husband Jim Ryan of Lansing; 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, his step-children, W. W. Sharpe III, Dr. Bruce A. Sharpe, Pat (Mrs. Alfred E.) Lee, and Ms. Betty Cabaniss and their families.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 4, 1994 at the Community Presbyterian Church, Postville, the Rev. Reuben Tjaden officiating, Beverly Bacon was the organist and Trina Green the soloist. Special remarks were given by William Livingood. The Schutte Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements. Burial was in the Postville Cemetery. Casket bearers were Bill, Jim, Fred, Joe and Hans Green, Ken and Mark Ryan, Louise Beck, Bill Rethwisch and David Wilke.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection.
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