Kenneth L. Dieterich

 Kenneth L. Dieterich, 89, of Arbela, MO, passed away July 25, 2024, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Edina, MO. The son of Rudolph and Ardella (Dice) Dieterich, Kenneth was born Dec. 30, 1934, in the family home south of Arbela in the Etna neighborhood. 

 Kenneth attended the Etna rural school through 8th grade. He attended Gorin High School for two years and graduated from Granger High School in 1954.

 Kenneth married Beverly Janssen on June 4, 1967. They had two daughters: Mary and Jody. They made their home on a farm south of Arbela. Kenneth was a farmer and carpenter, working on many buildings and homes in the area. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963.

 He loved riding and working with horses and mules. He was a member of the Trailblazers Saddle Club and enjoyed participating in horse shows, trail rides, and parades. Every year that his health allowed, he made at least part of the trek on the Ft. Madison trail ride. He enjoyed building and restoring horse-drawn wagons, buggies, and sleighs. He became known as “the movie star” after helping a film production in Nauvoo, IL, find wagons and appearing in the film.

 Kenneth was a member of the Etna and Wyaconda Methodist Churches and the New Hope Church in Kahoka.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Beverly, two brothers-in-law, and a nephew.

 Surviving relatives include his daughters: Mary Dieterich of Lewistown, MO, and Jody (Tuff) Woods of Downing, MO; grandchildren Clarissa (Josh) Miller of Ottumwa, IA, and Jesse (Lexy) Anderson of Ottumwa, IA; great-grandchildren Amiyah, Kolby, Haedyn, Nayson, and Knox; two sisters-in-law; three nieces; a nephew; and several cousins.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the Etna Cemetery Association or the activities department at the Knox County Nursing Home or the LaBelle Care Center and may be left at or mailed to the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St., Memphis, MO 63555.