Kenneth O’Dean Lebahn

Kenneth O’Dean Lebahn, son of Ewald Lebahn and Myrtle (Imsland) Lebahn, was born at home on March 10, 1937, in Ramona, S.D., and while at Hartville Care Center, Missouri, departed this life Nov. 25, 2024, at the age of 87 years, 8 months and 15 days. On Feb. 22, 1959, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Delores Jean Golay in Pipestone, Minn., and to this union five children were born. Kenneth began doing farm work full time after the eighth grade. He milked cows and farmed in Ramona, S.D. In 1968, he and Delores moved their family near Oldham, S.D., where they continued to milk, farm and engaged in custom farm work. Escaping the cold weather, in 1978, they moved to Mansfield, where they owned a dairy farm, milking 60 to 140 cows. He milked cows for the majority of his adult life, from age 16 to age 80. Kenneth was a Baptist and attended Cherry Street Baptist Church in Springfield after his retirement. During that time, he and Delores resided in Springfield in senior living, where he lovingly cared for his wife suffering from Alzheimer’s. In his limited spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, looking for arrowheads and watching the Kansas City Chiefs. Kenneth was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and dedicated work ethic which is second to none. We have many great memories of special times together that we will always cherish.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Maynard Lebahn and Douglas Lebahn; and son-in-law, William Muser. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Delores; two daughters, Juanita Muser, of DeSmet, S.D., and Sheila Clay and husband, Steve, of Plano, Texas; three sons, Tim Lebahn and wife, Pat, of Mansfield; Dean Lebahn and wife, Marian, of Bossier City, La.; and Wes Lebahn and wife, Amy, of Mansfield; 14 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren; brother, Sidney Lebahn; two sisters, Lois Lebahn and Leann Ferron; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation and funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mansfield. Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. and his funeral service began at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dennis Jennings officiating. Pallbearers were Wayne Muser, Austin Lebahn, Dillon Lebahn, Jordan Lebahn, Chase Lebahn and Blake Lebahn. Kenneth was buried in McIntosh Cemetery, Macomb. Memorial Contributions: Cherry Street Baptist Church in Springfield or Alzheimer's Association.