Kenneth Barthels

Kenneth L. Barthels, 85, of Oostburg, passed away Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. Ken was born January 31, 1929 in Sheboygan, to the late Louis and Blanche (Clark) Barthels. He attended Mapledale Grade School and Sheboygan Central High School, graduating in 1947. Ken served his country in the United States Army, stationed in Korea and Japan, from 1951 until 1953. He was employed at the Kohler Company in the shipping department for eleven years before taking employment at Sheboygan Glass Company, retiring in 1994. Ken was married to Shirley, nee Gabrielse for 27 years. Together they had four children. He had a lifelong love of cars, dogs and horses. He also enjoyed working on his father-in-law's farm. Ken was a long time member of First Christian Reformed Church of Oostburg. Survivors include Shirley Hoffman and their four children, Wendy Cadena, Byron Center, MI, Jeffrey (Jodi) Barthels, Sheboygan Falls, Lisa (Fiance Gary Bilbrey) Barthels, Sheboygan and Heather (Scott) Voskuil, Manitowoc; nine grandchildren, Nicki (Seth) Damoose, Joshua (Jessica) Barthels, Jess Barthels, Leticia, Stephanie, Lena and Mason Bilbrey, AJ and Annabel Voskuil; five great-grandchildren, Dakota Damoose, Shane, Dylan and Logan Barthels and Le'Nila Jones; two sisters, Beverly (Harold) Bauer and Bernice Barthels; one sister-in-law, Toni Barthels. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl and Frederick "Red" Barthels. A memorial service for Ken will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 12:00 P.M. at First Christian Reformed Church of Oostburg (216 South 7th Street, Oostburg) with Pastor Tom Pettinga officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday, at the church, from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Military Honors will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Sharon S. Richardson, especially Paula and Donna, special church families and his neighbor, Deb.