Kenneth LaVell Culpepper was born on September 27, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Nelda Mae Bandy and Harris Basken Culpepper. Soon after his birth, Kenneth’s parents relocated the family to Alvin, Texas. Kenneth lived in Alvin until 2016, when he decided to join his daughters in Iowa. Kenneth passed away on May 5, 2026, at Gundersen Hospital in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love and memories of his family. 

Kenneth graduated in 1975 from Alvin High School in Alvin, Texas. While in school, Kenneth was the High School boxing champion. He also discovered the welding trade, which led to his lifelong career as a welder in numerous nuclear power plants along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Kenneth was nothing short of a dedicated, hard-working, blue-collar man who was driven by determination and grit. He was the epitome of meticulousness, frugality, and resourcefulness. He was known for telling stories — often long ones — carefully trying to remember every detail and name along the way. Those stories, along with his humor, will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. 

After high school, Kenneth married his childhood sweetheart, Annette Bigham, and they welcomed 3 daughters: Melissa, Janice, and Olivia. Kenneth and Annette later divorced, but still deeply cared for one another and remained friends until his last days. Quite some time later, Kenneth married Connie Dotson, and they welcomed a son, Cordell. They too later divorced. 

Kenneth’s love of nature began at an early age, growing up on the southern coast. He enjoyed anything outdoors - fishing, hunting, and watching the birds. Kenneth carried a wealth of knowledge on just about any subject. Kenneth was an expert at stoking the fire and laying every piece of wood perfectly to keep a good campfire going. He knew how to tie every knot possible and took pride in teaching his technique to anyone who was willing to listen. In recent years, he could often be found sitting peacefully in his white chair at William and Janice’s farm, under the large maple tree, taking in all the beauty that Northeast Iowa had to offer. Apart from the outdoors, Kenneth enjoyed watching football, PBR rodeos, and listening to music. Kenneth enjoyed a wide variety of music from old church hymns, bluegrass, country to classic rock. He would often be found tearing up the dance floor to an old two-step with Annette in their younger years. For a substantial portion of Kenneth’s life, he was an avid biker. Kenneth had a passion for the open road and took pride in being a part of the biker community. He adored his Harley-Davidson bike and shared that passion with his son, Cordell, who was also a biker. Kenneth would often bring his Harley out and spend time giving his grandchildren rides up and down the streets of Texas. 

Kenneth was a proud dad, grandpa, and great-grandfather. He cherished every accomplishment each one achieved, but most of all, he loved watching his great-granddaughter compete in gymnastics. In his final years, nothing brought him greater joy than hearing the words “Paw Paw, push me on the swing” or “Paw Paw, watch me ride my bike”. Those moments filled his heart and brought an immense amount of joy to his soul. 

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Harris and Nelda (Bandy) Culpepper; his siblings Lynn, Lawrence and Trudy; and his son Cordell. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Melissa (Adam) Leuenberger of Decorah, Janice (William) Baker of Fort Atkinson, and Olivia Martinez (Luke Gavin) of Spillville, grandchildren Reagan (Kadyn) Truitt, Shawn Israel, Jace Leuenberger, Sarah (Brian) Rausch, Josiah Baker (Anna Lavender) and Kieran Martinez; great grandchildren Zeppelin Truitt, Lillian, Raylyn and Luka Rausch, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly. 

Kenneth will be remembered for his stories, his wisdom, his fondness for nature, and the deep love he had for his family. His memory will live on in every quiet sunset, every fishing trip, every football game, every laugh and story shared around family gatherings. 

Kenneth will make his final journey home this summer, where he will be laid to rest with his mom and dad in Alvin, TX. The family will hold a private celebration of life before the departure. Friends wishing to share their condolences may send them to William and Janice Baker at 2788 145th Street, Fort Atkinson, Iowa 52144. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to take a moment to hug your loved ones. As humans, we always feel we have enough time but what most of us don’t realize is our time is very limited. Time is only lent to us, and we are never told when our time is up.