"Jean and Bruce, We are so sad to hear of your Dad's passing. Glad you were able to have him close these last few years. Many memories of such a nice, nice man. We are thinking of you and your families."
In loving memory of
Kenneth Lee Rydberg
April 29, 1926 - September 22, 2017
Kenneth Lee Rydberg was born April 29, 1926 to Lawrence and Fern. He lived most of his life close to where he was born. He graduated from Essex High School. Ken married Eleanor Winifred Lundstedt at the Red Oak Covenant Church in February,1950. During the Korean conflict, Ken served as a blimp mechanic in the U.S. Navy.
Ken and Eleanor farmed first near Coburg and then moved to the current farm near Essex. Ken farmed passionately until 2012.
He was an active member of the Essex Covenant Church, which became Faith Evangelical Covenant Church. He served on the Page County Farm Bureau board and numerous other community boards.
Following a heart attack in 2013, he moved to Beaverdale Estates in Des Moines, where he made numerous friendships with both residents and staff.
Ken is survived by his children, Jean Erickson (Brent) and Bruce Rydberg (Beth). Ken is also survived by his brother, Wayne (Kay), and by his sister-in-law, Jean Rydberg. His legacy lives on in grandchildren Lena (Brad) Freese, Kate (Mike) Banasiak, Neal Rydberg, Carl Wang-Erickson (Anna) and Scott Erickson. He was particularly delighted with great-grandchildren Ellie, Avyn, Ben, Jane, Alex, and Matthew. He will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken died surrounded by his family September 22, 2017, in Des Moines, Iowa.
Ken is preceded in death by his wife Eleanor and by his brother Curtis and by his grandson Joel Rydberg.
The funeral service will held at Urban Heights Covenant Church in Urbandale, Iowa at 10:30 am on Monday, September 25. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Graveside services will be at Essex Cemetery at 3:30 pm with fellowship and refreshments at Faith Covenant Church in Essex.
Memorials may be given to Twin Lakes Christian Center,Rydberg Memorial.