Ken O. Kothe

Kenneth “Kenny” O. Kothe of Wentzville, MO, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025 at the age of 90. He was born in Wentzville, MO on January 10th, 1935 to his late parents, Oscar and Rose (née: Hoeckelmann) Kothe. Preceding him in death was his beloved wife of 59 years, Rosalie (née: Vehige) Kothe, son Martin “Marty” Kothe, brother John “Jack” Kothe, and sister JoAnn Bardet. Loving father and father-in-law of Andy (Jean) Kothe, Jerry (Cindy) Kothe, Tom (Rita) Kothe, daughter Sharon (Corey) Ketchum, daughter-in-law Lisa (Graeler) Kothe. Dear Grandfather of Sara (James), Ryan (Emily, and Sam), Aaron (Jennifer), Addison (Laura), Harrison, Mason, Lindsey (Nick), Emily (Trent), Danielle (Wyatt), Nathan (Mariah), Katelyn. Dearest Great-Grandfather of 8; Ellie, Jordyn, Abby, Henry, Lincoln, Lane, Luke and Esther.

Kenneth married Rosalie Vehige on October 26th 1957.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1957-1959 obtaining the rank of PFC-E3.  Rosalie and Ken spent two years living in Germany during Ken’s Army service and traveled extensively throughout Europe during those years.

A lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Wentzville, MO Kenneth was an active member and devoted volunteer.  He was a member of St. Patrick Knights of Columbus.  He was instrumental in re-creating the parish cemetery map, and hand crafted the beautiful walnut alter which holds the blessed tabernacle in the main church today.  He was also a member of the Wentzville Historical Society and loved to share stories and photos of his 90+ years living in Wentzville.

Kenneth was a carpenter by trade for more than 40 years.  Farming was a large part of his life for many years in the Wentzville area, harvesting row crops and caring for his black angus cattle.  An accomplished woodworker, Ken loved to make hand crafted furniture and gifts for his family.  He was an avid gardener and enjoyed taking care of his farm in Wentzville on which he and Rosalie raised their family for more than 50 years.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.  

Memorials: In honor of Kenny, memorials may be made to: St. Patrick Catholic Church or Masses, in care of Pitman Funeral Home, 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, Missouri 63385. 
 Family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ken O. Kothe, please visit our floral store.