Melvin Henry Kenkel

Mary Margaret, daughter of Gerald and Josephine (Gremonprez) McAndrews, was born June 20, 1939, in Carroll, Iowa. She grew up near Denison, attending grade school at St. Rose and graduating from Denison High School in 1959.
Melvin Henry, son of Hubert and Emma (Katzer) Kenkel, was born August 16, 1939, in Earling, Iowa. He grew up at Earling where he attended school.

On July 7, 1959, Mary and Melvin were united in marriage at St. Rose in Denison. Four children were born to this couple. The family made their home at Lake City, Elk Horn and then Manilla before returning to Mary's family farm south of Denison in the early 1970s. In the early years, Melvin farmed and drove bread truck and then worked at Farmland for many years. Mary worked at Dairy Queen for a short time and did laundry and housekeeping at the Denison Care Center for more than 25 years.

Mary and Melvin went everywhere together. They were active and faithful members of St. Rose. The couple enjoyed playing cards, gardening and traveling throughout the U.S. and Canada. They cherished the time spent with her family, especially during the holidays, and attending the grandkids' soccer games and swim meets. A caring and nurturing person, Mary was always willing to help others. Melvin was a devoted husband and hard worker. In his spare time, he enjoyed bailing hay and visiting with friends at the sale barn.

In July of 2021, Mary became a resident of Eventide Nursing Home in Denison, where she passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at the age of 82 years and 8 months. A few short days later, Melvin passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 8 days.

Mary and Melvin were preceded in death by their parents; a daughter Patricia Ann Kropf; Mary's sister at birth Patricia Ann McAndrews; Melvin's sister Margie (Fred) Graeve, and his brother-in-law Jerry Assman.

They are survived by three children: Jane (Joe) Headley of Breda; Tom Kenkel of Elkader; and Connie (Doug) Schwabe of Denison; five grandchildren: Tina Kropf, Christa Butler, Lindsey Perry, and Tyler and McKenzie Kenkel; six great-grandchildren: Braxton, Ara Jo and Quinn Butler; Elise and McKenna Perry; and Chase Kenkel; son-in-law Rodney Kropf of Kimballton; Melvin's brothers: Norm (Joyce) Kenkel of Earling and Ollie Assman of Arvada, Colorado; and other relatives and many friends.

The visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2022 all at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. Interment will be held at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Denison. Memorials may be directed to the family.