Kenneth L. Nitcher, 86, of Northwood

Kenneth L. Nitcher, 86, of Northwood, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center in Mason City.

A Funeral will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 18, 2024 at Conner Colonial Chapel, 1008 1st Ave. South, Northwood, IA 50459 with Rev. Jeff Phelps of Crossroads Church, officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his wife and son at Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City, IA.

Visitation and public viewing will be from 10:00 am until the service at the funeral chapel.

Kenneth Laurel was born March 30, 1938 in Otranto, IA, the son of George Raymond and Pearl Marie (Stradley) Nitcher. Growing up he attended and graduated from Grafton High School. On March 16, 1958 he married the love of his life, Sandra Rae Tucker in Mason City. The couple was blessed with three children: Kent, Scot and Kimberly. The family made their home in Council Bluffs, Urbandale, and eventually settled down in Northwood in 1977. From 1977 to 1991, Ken and Kent owned K&K Auto Parts in Northwood. He also drove truck for many years, working for Norseman Trucking until his retirement in 2004.

Ken’s heart was as steadfast as his hands, both of which he used to build a life centered around family and hard work. His basement workshop was his sanctuary, where he poured hours into crafting leather, wood working, and carefully assembling his beloved model train set, which brought to life the Grafton Depot. Whether riding horses with friends, fishing, or tinkering with projects, Ken lived for the simple joys that made each day meaningful. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and time spent with them—whether sharing his train set and workshop or guiding them through 4H projects—meant the world to him. Family was the center of Ken’s world, and he was proud of each and every one of them. Known for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and generosity, he was also a bit stubborn and reserved, never wanting to burden those around him. But above all, he was full of love, and his quiet strength and dedication will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Kent (Cheryl) Nitcher of Northwood; daughter, Kym (Candice Johnson) Nitcher of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren, Marissa Nitcher and Dylan (Tyler) Nitcher; great-grandchildren, Aubree, Kolt and Cooper; Sandra’s sisters, Sheila Neel and Sherry (Al) Galbreath; dear friend, Elaine Meyer; as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Greeting him in Heaven are his wife, Sandra; son, Scot, who died in infancy; his parents, George and Pearl; siblings, Maxine (Ed) Kruger, George Jr. (Cordelia) Nitcher and Joyce (Elroy) Hackbart; Sandra’s half-sister, Dorla Bender; and brother-in-law, Tuck Neel.

Conner Colonial Chapel. 641-324-1543. ColonialChapels.com