Kenneth G. Gobrecht

Kenneth G. Gobrecht

Kenneth George Gobrecht was born April 13, 1927 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Edwin R. and Ruth Parmenter Gobrecht. He passed away, unexpectedly, at home in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 22nd. As a ten year old boy, he moved with his family to Altadena, California. Ken graduated from Pasadena Junior College in 1944 where he was active in the Tournament of Roses Band and many other school organizations. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp with service at several bases in the USA and serving one year in Germany with the Army of Occupation. After discharge in January of 1947, he returned to college, graduating from the University of Southern California in 1949. He met and married Ramona M. Quist and they recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

After graduating from USC, he joined the J.C.Penney Co. as a trainee. He had several assignments in Southern California, then was promoted to Store Manager in 1960. He managed J.C.Penney stores in California at Anaheim, South San Francisco, San Leandro, Hanford and in Westland, Michigan. His final assignment was opening and managing the new store in Reno's Meadowood Mall in 1979. He was always active in community affairs, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce in San Leandro and active in Rotary Clubs in the cities where he lived.

Ken retired in 1987 and he and Mona enjoyed traveling, visiting Europe, Africa, China and many islands in the South Pacific. When not traveling the world, they enjoyed traveling in their motorhome driving to Alaska twice and to the tip of Baja and into many areas of the United States. Ken and Mona served several years as officers in their Good Sam Travel Club, Reno's Swinging Sams Chapter. Always active in the Presbyterian Church in the many communities where they lived, they were also active members of St. John's Presbyterian Church in Reno. Ken served as an elder and together with Mona served as an officer of the Barnacle Mariner's Couple's Group.

Ken is survived by his wife, Ramona (Mona) and daughters Karen Ferrero (Gary) of Las Vegas, Sue Clanton (John) of Discovery Bay, California, Gail LaRoque (Robbie) of Los Altos, California, four grandchildren and five great children, A lover of animals, his loyal dog, Buddy Boy was his constant companion.

A Celebration of Ken's Life is scheduled at a later time, Saturday, April 30, 2016, 2:00pm at St. John's Presbyterian Church in Reno, Nevada.