Kenneth Handel: 1935-2023

Kenneth (Kenny) Handel, 88, of Freeman, S.D., passed away at his home on April 28. A funeral service was held May 6 at 2 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman.

Kenneth Johannes Handel was born on Feb. 15, 1935, in Menno, S.D., to Gideon and Verlinda (Aman) Handel.

He was baptized on April 14, 1935, by Pastor John Bodenman, and confirmed on June 28, 1949, by Pastor Kaempchen at Salem Reformed Church in Menno.

Kenneth’s family moved to a farm northwest of Freeman in 1946. He attended country grade school, Freeman Elementary School, and Freeman High School, graduating in 1953. He attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D. for four years before taking a job with Fred Haar Company—John Deere. He served as parts manager for Fred Haar Company for 43 years.

Kenny also served for 30 years as a volunteer fireman and assistant fire chief for the city of Freeman. He served on the Freeman City Council, the Freeman Baseball Association, and played with amateur baseball team for many years. He enjoyed supporting his children’s love of and pursuits in sports and music, and spent many hours driving to athletic events, music lessons and concerts.

Kenneth was united in marriage to Corrine Schmuck on July 12, 1960 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Freeman. This union was blessed with two sons — Mark and Greg. He remained a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran until his death.

Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Corrine; son Mark (Johnna) of Lake Winnebago, Mo.; son Greg (Jeff) of Natchitoches, LA; two grandchildren, Grayson Handel and Sydney Handel; sister, Virginia Rist; and brother-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Schmuck and wife Judy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Gideon and Verlinda Handel, sisters Sylvia Handel and Patsy Handel Eberle, brothers-in-law, Curt Rist, and Roger Kindreich and wife, Elisabeth.