Kristi Sue Kenkel, age 54, of Glidden, IA, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at her home with family by her side, after a long battle with cancer.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Carroll with Father Patrick Behm as celebrant. The burial will be at the Merle Hay Memorial Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon and fellowship with family and friends will be held at the Lincoln Club in Glidden.
Visitation will be at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll from 5:00-7:00 P.M. on Friday, June 9, 2023, with a prayer service held at 7:00 P.M. The casket will be moved to the church Saturday afternoon at 1:00 P.M. where visitation will resume until 1:45 P.M.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Carroll and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com.
Kristi was born to parents Rex and Jeanette (Knierim) Kuhlman on January 13, 1969, in Davenport, Iowa. Eventually the family moved to a farm north of Dow City, Iowa where she enjoyed living in the country with her sisters, Donna and Charlie. The summer months hold her fondest memories when the New York cousins, Bob and Mike, would come and stay for a few weeks. In 1987, she graduated from Dow City-Arion School, where she participated in all types of music: vocal, piano, band, jazz band, and theater. Kristi later received her diploma as a Registered Nurse from Mercy School of Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa.
Kristi met Terry Kenkel at a mutual friend’s wedding in Earling, Iowa. The couple were later united in marriage on August 18, 1990, and blessed to have two children, Benjamin (25) and Elizabeth (22). Kristi was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially enjoyed supporting all their activities and helping to shape their education and spiritual well-being.
Over the years Kristi dedicated herself to several different jobs. Whether assisting at the law office, working in the nursing home, or attending to individuals through home care, she took pride in caring for others. Kristi’s thoughtful and tender heart touched many families everywhere she served.
Kristi joined the Carroll area Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) chapter in 2012. She held multiple positions as a member and loved to organize events to support her community. Her favorite part was the many long-term friendships that were built.
Kristi gave a new meaning to the word friend. She spent life surrounded by an amazing group of them. She enjoyed movie nights, antiquing, or simply catching up over lunch. Her joy and compassion helped to build lifelong friendships. She had over twenty years of laughter with her loyal friend, Amy Johnson, who also played a major role in Kristi’s care throughout her journey.
Kristi will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 33 years, Terry Kenkel of Glidden, IA; children – Benjamin Kenkel of Overland Park, KS and Elizabeth Kenkel of Des Moines, IA; her father, Rex Kuhlman, Jr. of Carroll, IA; sisters – Donna (Pat) Putnam of Dow City, IA and Kathy (Jason) Jacobs of Sioux Falls, SD; her nieces, nephews, many relatives and countless friends.
Kristi is preceded in death by her loving mother, Jeanette Kuhlman.
