Kenneth Baak

Kenneth Ernst Baak was born January 13, 1927, in Ricketts, Iowa, the son of Ernst and Erma Baak. He passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at the Bickford Assisted Living Home in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 86.
Kenneth received his elementary education in the Ricketts Community School and graduated from the Charter Oak High School in 1944. He was baptized in Christ on January 30, 1927, and confirmed on May 12, 1940, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Soldier Township, Charter Oak, Iowa. After receiving his education he enlisted in the military, serving during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Receiving his honorable discharge on November 1, 1945, he returned home to work with his father in the Case Implement and Hardware Store in Ricketts. Kenneth later owned and operated K.B.s Feed and Hardware until retiring in 1989.
On August 12, 1950, Kenneth was united in marriage to Arlene Luecker in Granite City, Illinois. The couple made their home in Ricketts and were blessed with the birth of three daughters. They moved to Omaha on April 20, 2004. He was a loving and caring husband, father and brother.
Kenneth was a charter member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Ricketts, serving on various offices at different times. He was also a member of the Charter Oak American Legion, Veteran of Foreign Wars in Schleswig, volunteer fireman for 37 years, city council member from 1959-1986, school board member 1950-1956, Jolly Club, Ricketts Community Center board, Meals-on-Wheels, and the Tri- Community Medical Board. He also served as secretary of the AAL.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Arlene in 2010; and one brother-in-law, Vernon. Survivors include three daughters: Marcia and her husband, Charles; Cynthia and her husband, Michael; and Rebecca and her husband, John; six grandchildren: Cortney; Travis; Kevin; John Joseph, Brittany and Krista; one sister, Leona; one sister-in-law, Shirley; one brother-in law, Sylvester and his wife, Lucile; other relatives and friends.