Kenneth L. Nitschke

Kenneth L. Nitschke, 78, Jamestown, North Dakota, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, farmer and friend died Thursday, June 12, 2008 at Mayo Medical Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Ken was born August 4, 1929 in Alfred, ND to Otto and Emma (Klundt) Nitschke. He attended school in Alexander Township and Alfred school and grew up there while helping on the family farm. Ken worked on local thrashing crews, pitching bundles and driving horses. On November 12, 1950 he married Marian G. Schlenker of Jud, ND. They farmed and raised their family in the Jud area until his retirement in 2007.

He enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting and visiting his friends at local Jamestown businesses. Papa Kenny enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and spoiling his great-grandchildren. He served as president of the Jud Rural Fire Department and on the board of the ND Oil Company of Alfred. Ken traveled extensively to Florida, Hawaii, Alaska, Yellowstone, Europe with family around the United States. Ken attended Temple Baptist Church in Jamestown.

He is survived by his wife, Marian, of 57 years; one daughter, Gayle (David) Fischer of Bourbonnais, IL; two sons, Jeffrey (Debbie) Nitschke and Jonathan (Judy) Nitschke, both of Jud, ND; grandchildren, Jeremy (Tina) Nitschke, Nathan (Kris) Nitschke, Jared (Sky) Nitschke, Sonja Nitschke, Chase Fischer and Erin Nitschke; great-grandchildren, Adam, Olivia, Jacob and Drew. His surviving brothers and sisters are: Joyce Henne, Valley City, ND, Jeannine Nitschke, Jamestown, Lawrence, Jamestown, Darlene Schlenker, Winston, OR, Jerry, Wamego, KS, Emmett, Jamestown, Carol Joslin, Antlers, OK and Karen Sears, Davenport, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Jermaine Murray; and two brothers, Milton and Dwight.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Temple Baptist Church, Jamestown with Pastor Randy Jaspers officiating.

Visitation: 1:00 to 7:00 PM, Monday, June 16, 2008 at the Eddy Funeral Home in Jamestown.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM, Monday, June 16, 2008 at the Eddy Funeral Chapel.

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Jamestown, North Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to Farm Rescue or Temple Baptist Building Fund.