Kenneth H. Abke, age 88, of Portage, OH passed away on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at Heritage Corner, Bowling Green, OH. He was born on April 30, 1930 on the family farm in Portage, OH to Henry and Edith (Hohls) Abke. On August 10, 1957 he married Juanita (Ridenour) Abke in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Rochester, OH and after 59 years of marriage she preceded him in death on August 14, 2016. In 1948 he graduated from Portage Twp. School. Ken was a life-long farmer and retired from L.O.F.,Rossford in 1982. He was one of the first in the area to do custom lime spreading and anhydrous application for various farmers. While enlisted in the United States Army he served his country proudly during the Korean War.
His memberships included: life-long member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, New Rochester, OH where he was baptized, confirmed and married. He held various positions at the church: past president of the church, Sunday school superintendent, and several council positions. He was also a life member of Pemberville Freedom American Legion Post #183, Silver King of Yesteryear Club, and charter member of Power of Yesteryear. In his spare time, he enjoyed farming, restoring old tractors, camping, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and spending time with his family.
Ken is survived by his children: Duane (Kellie) Abke of Pemberville, Jeanette Wilks of Portage and Colleen (Travis) Boyd of North Lawrence, OH, grandchildren: Brett (Stephanie) Abke, Kirsten (fiancé Chris Nowak) Abke, Allison Abke all of Pemberville, Austin, Tyler and Jenna Boyd all of North Lawrence, OH, and brother: Roger Abke of Elon, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Juanita, brothers: Donald, Herman, Richard and David and sisters: Lois and Ruth.
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. at Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home, 4094 State Route 105, Pemberville, OH. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, June 29, 2018 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 14555 New Rochester Rd, Pemberville, OH with additional visitation from 9 a.m. until time of services. Officiating will be Rev. Bruce Bair. Interment will be in Fish Cemetery, Pemberville. A bereavement luncheon will be served at the church immediately following the cemetery committal services. Memorial contributions may be given to: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Heritage Corner for the loving care that they provided to Ken during his stay.
