Kenneth Tekippe

Kenneth Tekippe, age 58, of Fort Atkinson, IA, died Wednesday, March 4, 2009 at his home after a sudden illness. A Memorial Mass will be on Monday, March 9, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, Iowa, by Rev David Beckman. Friends may call on Sunday, March 8, 2009, from 3:00 – 7:00 at the Schluter Balik Funeral Home, Chekal Chapel in Ft. Atkinson, IA with a rosary at 4:00 and scripture service at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Kenneth Paul Tekippe was born on March 7, 1950, the son of Paul and Seraphia (Timp) Tekippe in Decorah, Iowa. Kenny attended St. John Nepomucene Catholic School in Fort Atkinson and then graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1968. Kenny attended Area One in Calmar, for one year in the carpentry program. He then worked as a carpenter, until he was drafted into the US Army, in 1970 – 1972, serving in Vietnam. After he returned, he married Mary Arneson on May 11, 1974, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah. Kenny worked for Decorah Rental for the last twenty-six years. Kenny enjoyed walking, carpentry, grilling out and especially his two daughters: Sarah and Tina. He was a member of St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson and the Turkey River VFW Post #3902. Ken recently went to Des Moines to lobby for veteran benefits. Kenny’s survivors include his two daughters: Sarah Tekippe (husband, Derek Skolnik) Los Angeles, CA and Tina Tekippe, Lawrence, KS. His father: Paul Tekippe, Ossian, IA. One sister: Sister Patricia Tekippe, FSPA, St. Paul, MN. Four brothers: Dale Tekippe & wife Linda, Indianapolis, IN; William Tekippe & wife Jan, Minnesota City, MN; Ronald Tekippe & wife Joanie, Council Bluffs, IA; Linus Tekippe & wife Paula, Ft. Atkinson, IA. Eight nieces and nephews: Johnathan, Emily, Leah, Eric, Jessica, Kelsey, Travis and Matthew. Three aunts: Dolores Kuboushek, Decorah, IA; Arlene Bohr, Ridgeway, IA and Elsie Timp, Calmar, IA. His former wife: Mary Tekippe, Decorah, IA. Kenny was preceded in death by his mother: Seraphia Tekippe on December 2, 2002.