Kenneth Handel

Kenneth (Kenny) Handel, 88, of Freeman passed away at his home on April 28th. Funeral Services will be Saturday, May 6th at 2 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman. Visitation will be from 12 pm to 2 pm on Saturday at the church prior to the funeral service.

Kenneth Johannes Handel was born on February 15, 1935, in Menno, South Dakota, to
Gideon and Verlinda (Aman) Handel. He passed away on April 28, 2023, at the age of 88.

He was baptized on April 14, 1935, by Pastor John Bodenman, and confirmed on June 28, 1949, by Pastor Kaempchen at Salem Reformed Church in Menno, South Dakota.

Kenneth’s family moved to a farm northwest of Freeman, South Dakota, in 1946. He attended country grade school, Freeman Elementary School, and Freeman High School, graduating in 1953. He attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, South Dakota for four years before taking a job with Fred Haar Company—John Deere. He served as parts manager for Fred Haar Company for 43 years.

Kenny also served for 30 years as a volunteer fireman and assistant fire chief for the City of Freeman. He served on the Freeman City Council, the Freeman Baseball Association, and played with amateur baseball team for many years.  He enjoyed supporting his children’s love of and pursuits in sports and music, and spent many hours driving to athletic events, music lessons, and concerts.

Kenneth was united in marriage to Corrine Schmuck on July 12, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Freeman. This union was blessed with two sons—Mark and Greg. He remained a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran until his death.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Corrine; son Mark (Johnna) of Lake Winnebago, MO; son Greg (Jeff) of Natchitoches, LA; two grandchildren, Grayson Handel and Sydney Handel; sister, Virginia Rist; and brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Schmuck and wife Judy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Gideon and Verlinda Handel, sisters Sylvia Handel and Patsy Handel Eberle, brothers-in-law, Curt Rist, and Roger Kindreich and wife, Elisabeth.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 6 at 2 pm with visitation prior from 12-2 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to thank the Doctors, Nurses, and staff at Freeman Regional Health Services for their excellent care, responsiveness, and kindness.

Memorials should be directed to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church College Scholarship Fund.