NORFOLK — The Mass of Christian Burial for Kenneth J. Peitzmeier, 82, of Norfolk, will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk. Interment will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery, rural Olean, NE. The Celebrant will be Father Dan Andrews. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15th, at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk. Rosary will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Stonacek Funeral Chapel following the visitation. Organist will be Karl Henkel, cantor/soloist will be Cherie Murphy. Ken was born December 20, 1931 in Dodge, Nebraska and baptized at Sacred Heart Church, Olean, Dodge, NE. to Conrad and Martha (Bos) Peitzmeier. Attended Academy of Sacred Heart, Olean grade school and graduated from Dodge High School in 1949. Ken served in the United States Navy for four years from May 1952 to 1956, receiving rank of Yeoman 2nd Class. Ken spent 2 service years in China Lake, California and 2 service years in Atsugi, Japan. Ken married Ardene Bazata on November 24, 1956 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Howells, Nebraska and was married for 57 years. Ken is a member of St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk , Nebraska. Ken was employed for 35 years in management positions with Vishay/Dales Electronics at the Columbus, Norfolk and the Yankton, South Dakota plants. Ken also worked for the Lionel Toy Train Company in Hillside, New Jersey from 1965 to 1968 as a Division Manager. After Retiring in 1990 Ken joined the Modern Woodmen of America Insurance Company and served as the District Representative for the area. Ken was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars with Post #1644 in Norfolk, NE. Ken held several positions within the post including Post Commander, District #3 Commander and Delegate at many National VFW conventions. Ken was also a life member of the American Legion #16 and the Amvets. Ken was also involved with other outside organizations, which included the Travelers Protective Insurance Association where he was State President as well as Local Post President and Vice President. Ken was also a member on the Board of Directors of the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District for over 20 years. Ken enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad and especially enjoyed traveling with his family. Ken took the most pride in his children and grandchildren. Ken taught each one to take pride in working hard, to always do what is right, to sacrifice and give to others and to love life. Ken is survived by his wife Ardene, 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Joel Schretenthaler of Brenham Texas, Connie and Bill Hattery of Norfolk. Four Grandchildren, Amy (Tony) Onstott of Memphis TN, and Sara Schretenthaler of Dallas TX and Brice and Carter Hattery of Norfolk. One Brother, Duane Peitzmeier of Springfield, NE. Five nephews and nieces. Preceding him in death was a daughter, Julie Ann. Parents Conrad and Martha Peitzmeier and sister Dianne. Military Rites will be by American Legion Post 16, V.F.W Post 1644, the American Legion Riders, and the United States Navy Honors Guard. Memorials may be made to the family's choice in honor of Kenneth. Pall bearers will be Tony Onstott, Brice Hattery, Tim Peitzmeier, Dennis Thorne, Ronald Mejstrik, Patrick Mejstrik Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.
Janet S. purchased a for the family of Kenneth J. Peitzmeier.
Janet S. - October 17, 2014 at 09:45 AM
JS
To: Ardene and family - - I am writing for my Mother (Ethel Ruskamp) and the rest of the Ruskamp family. I am Janet and live in Columbus. I usually take my mom to attend the special occasions but could not make it work this time. My mom is doing well and we wanted to attend. I personally remember Susan & Connie as I babysat with them on the neighboring farm when you came to Ken's parents. My mother is 92 and still works part time in our Laundry Line which has kept her busy and active. I wish to send our condolences from our family. Your first home in Columbus was in the block we bought our first home. Some of the neighbors in that neighborhood still remember Ken & Ardene. We remember Ken's kind personality and wonderful family. God bless you in this difficult time. Love Janet Sueper & Family
Janet Sueper - October 17, 2014 at 08:34 AM
AS
Ardene and family - I wanted to express how truly sorry I (and the rest of the therapy staff at Heritage of Bel Air) was to hear that Ken had passed away. We all enjoyed the time we spent with him. We appreciated how hard he worked despite his challenges. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Angie Skiff, occupational therapist
Angie Skiff - October 15, 2014 at 09:42 PM
DD
Dean E. Edson, Executive Director purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Kenneth J. Peitzmeier.
Dean E. Edson, Executive Director - October 15, 2014 at 03:37 PM
JA
I served with Ken on the NARD. I got to know him as we traveled across this beautiful state. Ken was a man with great passion to protect our wonderful surroundings that God has blessed us with. May God bless you and I pray for Ken's eternal peace. Joe Anderjaska Hayes Center, Ne.
Joe Anderjaska - October 15, 2014 at 07:42 AM
DH
Ardene and family, I can't explained everything Ken helped us with while I was at the Veterans Home. Whenever we needed anything he was always there with you by his side. I'm sorry I cant be there for his services because he was always there for us. There weren't many that could match his dedication. God bless him and his whole family. Duane Hodge
Duane Hodge - October 14, 2014 at 08:45 PM
DW
I am sorry to hear of Ken's passing. I worked with him at NARD, and I truly valued my time with him. He was a great man, and he always mentioned his grandkids. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Dave Wolf
