On March 28, 2016, a beautiful, sunny Easter Sunday, Dr. Kenneth F. Kiple, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at Bowling Green State University, stepped into history – a place that had occupied his thoughts and energies for much of his life. As a professor of history he penned and also edited numerous articles, chapters and books on the subjects that sparked his interest, including in no small measure Latin America, Spain, the islands of the Caribbean, Slavery, the history of Medicine and of the foods of the world.Born in Waterloo, Iowa, on January 29. 1939, to Frank and Jane Kiple, he set out to experience the world at large before even finishing high school and moved ever more southward until settling for a while in Florida. There he continued his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree at the University of South Florida and a Masters and PhD from the University of Florida. By now his interest centered on Latin American Studies and Spain and after receiving a Fulbright scholarship for the latter, he spent a year abroad. Later on he never tired of telling friends and family members about his exploits while there, perhaps most descriptive of his unrestrainable disposition was his “running with the bulls in Pamplona.”
In 1970 he joined the Department of History at Bowling Green State University as a young assistant professor and remained there until his retirement. In the years between 1958 and 1995 he grew richer by four wives and as many children and on Friday, August 13, 1997 he married who in his words “was the women for which he waited his whole life,” Kriemhild Coneè Ornelas, a longtime friend and a colleague in the Sociology department. Conee became his partner not only in life, but also academe. Standing out among their many successful efforts is the two-volume Cambridge World History of Food. Ken also collaborated with well-known scholars throughout the world.
When not teaching or writing, Ken and Coneè enjoyed traveling many states in the U.S. in their motor home but they were also fascinated by many foreign countries with a particular interest in their food and cuisines. At home Ken loved watching football and was an avid Florida Gators and Miami Dolphins fan. After his marriage he grudgingly included Coneè’s heroes, the Dallas Cowboys. Among his friends he was well known for his BBQ parties at home, the food famously delayed by the even more well-known “cocktail hours” which could sometimes stretch into the late evening hours. Guests forgot their hunger as he told of his fascinating and usually humorous life stories that often also lead to impromptu history lectures. His quick wit and dry humor, as well as his kindness and companionship will be missed by his family and friends and all who knew him.
Along with his wife Coneé, Ken is survived by daughters: Kim (Greg) Spease, Littleton, CO; Kelly (Guy) Spinello, Rockford, IL; Carrie Kiple, Berkley, CA; Vanida Maier, Toledo, OH; Ariane (Scott) Romaker, Fostoria, OH; Ancelina (Jeff) Smith, Waterville, OH; Natascha (Greg) Amster, Rockledge, FL; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and his sister, Muriel Smith of Jacksonville, IL. Along with his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his son, Graham Kiple in 2014.
Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green, OH has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions in Ken’s honor may be given to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online Condolences as well as fond memories may be left for the Kiple family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
