Kenneth R. Nading, rural Elkader, March 28, 2019

Kenneth R. (“Kenny”) Nading, 93, of rural Elkader, died Thursday, March 28, 2019 at the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home. He was born in Littleport, IA, on August 6, 1925, to Merritt and Martha (Reick) Nading.  Kenneth graduated from Littleport High School in 1943, at the age of 17. A few months later, he enlisted in the US Navy. He was stationed in Oakland California and Mare Island where he served as a Pharmacist Mate Second Class. Following his Honorable Discharge on August 5, 1946, he started working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, where he worked as a lineman. He then married Celia Robbins. They had six children. The couple later divorced.

In 1968, he married Marjorie Gentz. The couple lived in Mederville. Marjorie passed away in 2010. In 2013 he moved into the Swales Assisted Living apartments in Strawberry Point. When his health began to fail, he moved into the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home where he remained.

Kenny loved to fish, watch the Iowa Hawkeyes and play cards, especially Euchre. On his 80th birthday, during a Euchre game, he surprised all and shot the moon with 4 aces and 2 kings! Kenny enjoyed woodworking in his garage as his favorite pastime, making beautiful furniture. He was also an accomplished guitarist in his younger years until an injury ended his ability to play. He loved his guitar, even taking it with him into the nursing home.

He is survived by his daughters Martha (Joe) Marrah, Kathy Cynova, Gail Isham; his son Ken Jr; step-sons, Harley Gentz and Ricky Gentz; daughter-in-law, Denise Nading and step-grandchild Chad.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Melvin and Bill Nading; his brothers, Harold and Melvin Nading; his sisters, Helen Nading and Viola (Mrs. James Cole) and; his grandson Matt Gentz.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader with Rev. Jon Haack officiating. A military service will be provided by the American Legion and Honor Guard as part of the funeral.

Visitation: 10:00 AM until service time Wednesday, April 3, 2019, also at the church.

Inurnment: Mederville Cemetery, Mederville, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Strawberry Point Lutheran Home.

 




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