Kenneth Paul Althoff, 75, of Maquoketa, received his eternal reward on June 3, 2025, after a courageous battle following a stroke.

Friends and family may visit from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A Wake Service will begin at 12:45 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa with Rev. Ben Nkrumah officiating. An additional visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the church’s cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Iowa Army National Guard.

Ken was born on May 21, 1950, in Monticello, Iowa, to Al and Aileen (Hemmer) Althoff. Ken attended St. Lawrence School in Otter Creek, where he began chasing the love of his life, Mary Lou. In the first grade, he ripped her coat running after her, but he couldn’t quite catch her. Ken went on to graduate from Andrew High School before joining the Iowa National Guard. He also farmed–one of his favorite ways to spend his time. While in the guard, he continued to chase the girl he loved, and she finally let him catch her.

They were united in marriage on June 23, 1972, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa. This was the beginning of an unbreakable bond that would forever endure as they ran the race of life together hand in hand. Ken and Mary Lou embarked on a business adventure by running the Otter Creek Station. Though they only had it for a few years, a lifetime of stories and memories were created. One of their life’s greatest adventures was becoming parents to their three precious daughters, Shelley, Tara, and Angie. Being their dad brought him the greatest of joys.

As the girls were growing up, Kenny shifted careers to become a car salesman, a job for which he was well-suited. He treated everyone he met like they were a close friend, always making people feel loved and cared for. No one was a stranger to him. Devotion to family, hard work, and service to others were not just values to Ken, they were the foundation of how he lived. He loved others unconditionally. Throw in some humor, a sarcastic comment, and he was a force to be reckoned with!

Over the years, Kenny gave countless hours to helping people. Together with Mary Lou, they dedicated themselves to their church. Kenny was always there to fix something that was broken, lead the charge on a new project, help a fellow parishioner, or take care of any other needed task, big or small. He was Mr. Fix-It, and both the school and church had him on speed dial. Alongside his wife, he welcomed innumerable people into his home for meals, fellowship, and mentoring.

In addition to serving his own church, Ken inspired many teens throughout the area through his active involvement in TEC retreats. He was also active in the CEW community, always willing to share the story of God’s love with others. His genuine, kind-hearted positivity shone in all that he did and all that he said. He was a role model of the faith.

Kenny lived a big life not through grand gestures, but through everyday kindness, like helping someone into their locked car or offering a smile when it was needed most. Like his dad, he became a woodworker in his spare time, carefully creating pieces that others would enjoy. He built a legacy of love by helping others remodel their homes.

A teaser at heart, if he picked on you, you could be assured of his affection. His predictable tricks included picking up children “by the ears,” offering his hand to shake only to run it through his hair, walking alongside you with his arm around you but then swinging his leg up to kick you on the backside, pointing to your shirt to show you “had something on it” but then bopping you on the nose, and saying “nope” while shaking his head “yes.” He made everyone feel like they were his favorite.

Though he could never sit still long enough to retire, he loved relaxing in his recliner, Pepsi in hand, of course. He enjoyed watching the Cubs, Wheel of Fortune, and This Old House. He had a profound affection for all things Kwik Star and enjoyed joining his buddies for the daily morning “meeting,” where they tried but never could quite solve all the world’s problems.

Above all else, Ken loved his family. He never stopped looking for ways to show Angie how much he loved her, and nothing made him prouder than his grandsons. He always called them “my boys!”—and he meant it with all his heart. His boys think these things about him: “He was so funny and quick-witted; a jokester so good at it that you sometimes couldn’t tell if he was joking or not.  He was selfless, helpful, and servant-hearted. He always made you feel important. He was present, loving, fun and had a dependable pair of shoulders you could sit on. He was the most generous person we knew.” But more than anything, Kenny loved his Mary Lou. Throughout their 52 years of marriage, Kenny and Mary Lou were inseparable, their love for each other unmistakable. A love so strong he chased her all the way across the earth and right into Heaven.

Ken is survived by his beloved daughter Angie, his dear son-in-law Ben, his four cherished grandsons, Caleb (18), Elliott (16), Gabe (15), and Toby (12), his wonderful sisters JoAnn Delaney, Carole (Dick) Kleis, Donna (Don) Klosterman and Joyce (Wayne) Bockenstedt, brother-in-law Ron (Jane) Nemmers, and many treasured nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful bride, Mary Lou, his precious daughters, Shelley and Tara, his parents Al and Aileen, his favorite brother Ron, several wonderful in-laws (Vince and Louise Nemmers, Loras Delaney, Audrey and Phil Lambe, and Carol Althoff), and numerous nieces and nephews. Just imagine so much of the family back together, worshipping at Jesus’ feet – what a sight to behold!

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken’s name may be given to the Althoff Family Christian Service Fund at Sacred Heart School in Maquoketa.