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Kenneth Doerhoefer Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Doerhoefer
Linda Marcum
January 10, 2009
Dad,
After looking at all these tributes I believe you've earned your wings and halo too!
I hope you are passing out candy and giving hayrides in heaven.
We all miss you.
Love, Linda
Michael Marcum
January 10, 2009
Well, it looks like everyone about covered it all, except it is worthy to note that you did finally convince me to buy a Ford. When it is all said and done, you were quite a man.
We do miss you so,
Mike
Hayride, Hayride!
January 9, 2009
Thanks for the hayrides!
January 9, 2009
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Kyle Doerhoefer
January 9, 2009
I will always remember riding with my grandfather in his truck and giving him a hard time about his "slow Ford" and music, some of which I stop to listen to now. It was at about that time that he would floor the gas and try to pin us to the seat to prove his point. He could take a joke or rib as well as he could give it. I think he smiled even more at that, probably because he knew we came by it honestly. I remember him telling me many times how not to be while growing up. I can't recall once when he told me how I should act. He showed me that by example. Just spending time with him, I picked up a lot of things, whether I realized it before now or not. He showed me how to give it your all, whether at work or play. Although, he seemed to manage to squeeze in some play into whatever he was doing. He passed on his sense of humor. Most of all, he showed me the value of the simple things in life. As far as I can remember, he wasn't ever one for a big night out. Most times, a few sandwiches and clearing the table for cards seemed be his vote. I remember marathon gaming sessions, just to see who could win the most games of Connect Four or whatever card game. No matter what game, there was always more fun in the playing than the winning or losing. You knew he cared without him having to say it. He always seemed to be genuinely interested in what you were interested in at that time or, at the very least, would try to help you do it better. I've written about my grandfather a few times in my life for school assignments. I know that I'm not alone in this. I also know that I can't write enough to do him justice.
And so, thank you Grandpa, for everything.
Penny Brown
January 9, 2009
Dad,
I’m doing my best to carry on in your footsteps: I have a candy bowl on my desk at work, we hid the grandkids Christmas presents (after disguising some of them in multiple boxes), we’ve given Mom TOYS for Christmas, and I’ve gotten some GREAT bargains lately (but not on 25 boxes of pudding)! Unfortunately, I love ice cream and candy a little too much and have to limit it. I still struggle with giving my time so freely like you did, but I’m working on it. You were always so willing to help a friend, or to share whatever you had. I remember many times you sitting all night with a friend in the hospital, and Mom taking food to them when they got home. You taught us that hard work wouldn't kill us; although I had to wonder about that one when I was digging all those dandelions in the summer! You both sure set some good examples, and Mom did a great job picking our father! I thank God for giving me both of you for parents. I have been truly blessed.
Missing you,
Penny
Thelma Doerhoefer
January 8, 2009
Ken,
What a wonderful legacy you have left! As I see from the tributes to you; you had an impact on many lives. Everything you did was from the goodness of your heart. You never expected payment of any kind; but did it for the enjoyment of giving.
I always knew you were special. I hope God has a special place for you in Heaven. You will always be in my heart and in the hearts of all who loved you.
Derik Taylor
January 8, 2009
Grandpa Ken:
You are truely an amazing person. I am one of many, many persons that had the honor to know you all these years. I must mention the FARM, because it was the magical place where I grew up and learned so many things about the outdoors and having fun. I met such a wonderful family as well! So many memories there: The original "hay" rides; the newer less-forgiving "cushion rides"; the sea-weed fights on the floating dock; Mike Brown on the floating dock; shooting alumunium cans down the backside of the damn; dressing up as monsters and zombies to scare people using ketchup for blood; chanting V-8er over and over again until our throats were sore; chasing the Gorilla; being the Gorilla; building forts in the woods; playing on the hidden swings; sliding down the cable slide; fishing; hiking; and building huge campfires while eating tons of candy from the "Candy Man" As you can see, I could go on and on with this forever. So many memories of the Farm, and so many memories of you right there in the middle of it all. You had built the perfect dream, and neither it nor you will ever be forgotten. I can only hope that someday when Karyn and I have a child of our own, we can tell them about a Magical and adventurous place once called the FARM. Lastly, a heartly thanks to you, Thelma, and your entire family for welcoming my family and friends into your open arms. We have been truely blessed and will continue to enjoy it for many years to come.
We will miss you Grandpa Ken!
Your "Adopted" Grandson,
Mike Brown
January 7, 2009
To my father-in-law, friend, and BEST BUDDY! Where did we start, oh yeah, that’s right, it was all those tricks while dating your daughter. I really thought sometimes, what a great guy; just like a made-to-order father, right when I needed one a lot of times. Always a friend to all that met you and the ones that didn’t --what a loss. The one that spent so many GREAT times with me and my family. What a friend, teacher and example, for all of us that had the joy and time to spend with you. You made me feel great with all the work and adventures we had at the FARM. It was like going to DISNEYLAND coming up with all we dreamed up and built. People would ask me all the time “What is this place you speak of called THE FARM”, and “could anyone have a father-in-law that good?” YEP, it’s possible. WHAT ADVENTURE we had, I didn’t know hard work and play could be so much fun. Then to top it off, we always had Lee's Fried Chicken and ice cream! What a way to pull helpers in! What fun you had teaching the city boy all about KENTUCKY; from having guineas chase me by the old barn, to stocking the pond with fish, and having Lance chasing geese in the frozen pond and then shaking all over you, then wanting a Snicker Bar. Let's not forget the "Granddaddy-of-them-all Squirrel" (what do you mean it was a ground hog?) You taught all of us how to have FUN and SMILE! Thank you and Mom for all the many times of joy you spread around to all that showed up. SUNDANCE FARM, WHAT a place! I do miss you so, but someone like you had to move on to the next adventure, you old trickster. What is around the next corner or tree you have waiting for us following you? Old Buddy, I really miss you, what you gave your family and friends are obvious by all the writings. I bet you’re having them rolling up there, what a gift you were to all of us. Thanks again for being the greatest guy I ever met.
Your buddy,
MIKE BROWN
Sundance Farm T-shirts
January 7, 2009
Teaching Josh to fish out at the farm
January 7, 2009
Mike getting to play on Dad's new Jim Dandy tractor
January 7, 2009
Dad always did like getting toys for Christmas
January 7, 2009
January 7, 2009
Dad comparing his belly to Heather's pregnant one!
January 7, 2009
Buster, Louise, Mom, Dad, Rosemary & Bill at Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary party
January 7, 2009
Terry & Dad at the Luau at the farm
January 7, 2009
Redneck Olympic winners!
January 7, 2009
Playing cards at the farm
January 7, 2009
Brandon Doerhoefer
January 7, 2009
Grandpa,
Thank you for all that you did for us. I miss you everyday. I will always remember my times at the farm. You were always adding things to make sure we were entertained. I remember the year you put the basketball goals up behind the house and then you added a golf course to the field. You spent a lot of time out there getting it ready for our family gatherings and it was greatly appreciated. I've always hated being so far from the family, living in Georgia. Although it did lead to some of my best memories of you. I always felt special around Christmas time when we would get to come up and stay with you and Grandma. I loved being at your house. I knew that when we got there you would be ready to play some games with us. You loved to play games with all of us. You were always up for a game of pool and we knew which cue was yours. (It was my favorite too when you weren't using it.) I remember coming up to Kentucky and you had taped the Kentucky basketball game for me, or you would have a magician or comedian that you wanted to show me. I loved to play checkers with you and connect four. I know you let me win every now and then. I will never forget the summer that I got to ride back to Kentucky with you and Grandma. I had a great time that summer. I will always remember your love of jokes. I ate a lot of laffy taffy just to read the jokes and you had heard them all I think. You had a great sense of humor and loved pranks. I found myself laughing the other day when I passed the Chick-fil-A. I couldn't help but think of the chicken leg sandwich you heard about. HA HA! Thank you for being so amazing. You see a lot of people who wear the hats and t-shirts, but you truly earned the title GREATEST GRANDPA IN THE WORLD!
Jimmy Clack
January 6, 2009
Ken,
From the first time we met I knew you were a unique person. You always had a smile on your face although it was probably because you were getting ready to play a joke on me. I never knew what was going to happen after that and always had to keep my guard up.
First off, I want to thank you, Thelma, Marvin and Ruby for taking the time to make me feel like part of your family. I never had any grandparent's growing up and use to get jealous of my friends when they told me they were going over to their grandparent’s house. I often wondered what that was like especially during the holidays.
Thank you for the wisdom you shared with me about not sweating the small stuff and just be happy with what you have. You always had advice about keeping Kelli in line and other stuff I won’t go into but most of the family already knows. Ha!
You were one of a kind when it came to bargain hunting and dealing with sales people. I never enjoyed that situation and you instilled confidence in me and Kelli is now the proud owner of a FORD EXPLORER in the last few months. I hope you are proud.
You are missed but your legacy will never be forgotten.
Ken & Thelma after January 1944 wedding
January 6, 2009
Katie, Thelma, Ken & Junior at the Redneck Olympics
January 6, 2009
Ken at age 19
January 6, 2009
Terry Doerhoefer
January 4, 2009
Dad,
I’ll never forget your kid like quality that made life so much fun, the twinkle in your eye and the shy look on your face when you had to discipline us (I know you hated it as much as we did). Of course the tricks you played on us and our friends and the hiding of our most sought after Christmas present which added to the excitement of Christmas.
I always appreciated all of the hard work that you did getting and keeping the farm ready for the BIG weekends for our family and friends. I know that it was a lot of work but also a labor of love for you because you were always so giving. If anyone needed help you were the first in line. I hope I picked up a little of that from you.
I thank you for teaching me that “If a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing right the first time”. Also from watching you tackle jobs that you had never done before has given me the confidence to tackle my own jobs.
Thanks for teaching me and Eneida the value of a good SALE. That life long lesson has saved us quite a bit over the years. I hope I have passed it along to the boys.
You have taught me to be a Husband, a Father and at some point I hope a Grandfather without really trying, just by being the good example. For this I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for teaching me that the simple things in life can make you the happiest, like playing cards with friends and family, time spent together means much more that what can be bought at a store.
You will be missed every day and seldom far from my thoughts until I sit down across the table from you and say DEAL EM!
Love
Terry
Dad giving me the look
January 4, 2009
Dad in Germany fishing with the kids
January 4, 2009
Fishing trip with kids in Germany
January 4, 2009
Heather Gentry
January 2, 2009
Grandpa - where to start?! It's been about a year since you passed and writing this has been the hardest thing to do. I never stop thinking about you and find that when I try to write this that my eyes fill with tears over your loss. Even so, I want to thank you for helping to create some of the fondest memories of my childhood. To begin, the "Farm" has to be, by far, the best investment you EVER made. Maybe not of monetary value, but in how many people were changed by the experiences they had there. But, who wouldn't be once they crossed into a land of not only camping, fishing and swimming, but also a "Secret Swing" playground with a cable slide that gave you the feeling of flying, trails that led you to adventure at every turn, a floating dock that started some vicious "King/Queen of the dock" wars, hayrides that were exhilarating from bouncing out of your seat from V8-ing it, screaming from the unknown at the "haunted house" and the crazy gorilla, giggling with pure joy at being squeezed silly doing doughnuts in the fields, then when it was all over you got a sweet treat from the candy bowl! That's not even touching the Luaus, Hillbilly and Outhouse Olympics and grand openings - I mean, who has a grand opening for an Outhouse?! And, even so, who makes it FUN?! You can't forget memories like that, nor could we ever forget someone like you.
Grandpa, you were a man that could take any child and make them feel special no matter who they were because you had the patience of a saint, willingness to teach, enthusiam for life, joy and fun and made each of us feel like we were important to you. The love you exuded for each of us was amazing. Even spending the evening at your house was fun because we knew it included malts, Cheez-Its, movies, games and magic tricks. We were always bound and determined to beat you at a game and if in the event that we did (I'm sure you LET us), we felt so victorious. You WERE the king of all games.
I want to thank you and Grandma for being the most generous, gracious people I know. You have set a wonderful example for us all to follow. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your love of life. Thank you for just being you. Until we meet again, I'll be missing you.
Erin Brown
December 29, 2008
My Grandpa,
Grandpa you taught me so much; where do I start! From me as a baby following you around at the farm watching you in everything you would do. To our last days at the farm, underneath the tractor with grass, dirt, and grease all over us!
I mean come on, how many 20 yr old girls do you all know that can fix a tractors belt and get it back on when 3 grown men in their 40's can't! That was something that made me feel AWESOME! Something along with working on the truck and cars you helped teach me how.
Every trip out to the farm to mow from sun up till sun down every other weekend and the others keeping it cleared out and working condition but it was always the way you did it that kept it interesting and guessing what was next. We were learning things and we never paid attention to that or the work because with you it was always like playing with all the kids! When we came home we always had to stop at our little ice cream shop in town and it was either chocolate malts (The real malt! No Liquid Stuff, Yuck) or SUPERMAN ice cream with bubble gum!!! You were always so full of life and never let anything get you down, if so you never showed it!
You always lived through us, You were the biggest kid of all!! Everything you always wanted as a kid to do or have you did all that and more with us!! And I Love you, not only for that but everything you did, just to be you!
You are like my knight in shining armor. You gave when you didn't have to, took time to think about all the presents for each and every one of us. The best one ever was when you handed me a piece of wrapping paper string to wrap a gift and told me to follow it!! All I wanted to have when I was little was a cash register and at the end of the string there it was.. like on the movie A Christmas Story. With a big drawer and roll of paper that actully worked!! Of course!
You never once knocked down any dreams that we all had. I always wanted to go to Hollywood or sing, didn't happen but that's ok. You always built us up, I think that's why we all try to look on the positive side of everything that we do now!
I always loved dressing up for Memorial Day and Labor Day! Got to be a Cowgirl, Indians, we did the Hawaii theme. And let's not forget everyones favorite, The REDNECK Olympics!! Do I need to say more... I mean who else is going to run around a 3 acre lake up and down hills slidding down wet grass all to get a roll of toilet paper to "The OutHouse " the fastest, to win! Come on Now, that and "The Hubcap Throw" it doesn't get any better then that!! You also built us all the BEST Secret Swings any kid could every ask for. Let's see there was a see-saw, the rings, swings, walking bridge, and let's NOT FORGET the all-time favorite past time for ANYONE who ever visited "The Farm"!, THE CABLE SLIDE!!!!! Oh Yes, it was so fast whipping through the trees till it pulled to your death!! Ha,ha.
Grandpa.... point blank you were the best at everything you did and more. You gave us all something to strive for in life, to set our goals to the highest standard and never look back! You are in my life in everything I do, I pray every night to be more like you, do what's right and have patience and set my goals high and reach for the stars so I can be closer to you!! I Know you're watching over us and taking care of grandma and we miss you soooo much!! And one day when we get to see you again, we'll do it up right like "The Good Old Days". I Love You So Much, Grandpa XOXO,
Your Granddaughter,
Erin-Marie
Ken Doerhoefer
December 28, 2008
Kelli Clack
December 21, 2008
Memories of Grandpa
I remember grandpa as the man who taught me how to play tennis, how to fish, how to put in a good day’s work, perform magic tricks, play pool, how to play cards and how to V8 it. He always took the time to find just the right Christmas or birthday present but also he would paint it your favorite color. I remember getting a blue fishing rod and a blue softball bat for presents that he took the time to paint himself. He was always the prankster with his dribble glass and whoopee cushion. Any time you brought a friend or a date over to the grandparent’s house you knew that they would get “the treatment”. He always made everyone feel welcome even though that meant they might be a part of a prank.
He never got tired of teaching his grandkids how to fish, play volleyball, magic tricks and he treated everyone else’s kids just like part of the family. I know he made my husband feel like part of the family from the first time they met and he even took time to help Jimmy work on his car when it would break down. He spent time teaching him and giving him advice just like he was one of his kids. Everyone knew that going to the farm meant hayrides and the infamous candy bowl. I remember the endless Easter egg hunts at the farm where we would sometimes find those plastic eggs filled with candy or coins 10 years later.
I remember when I was a kid he would drive us down to Caulfield’s all the way downtown to buy magic tricks and he would take the time to teach us how to do them. I remember driving to the farm in his truck and asking him to stop because the sign on the side of the road said “No Passing”. He would pull over to the side of the road and then he would proceed to ask us “What should we do now to get to the farm?” I can remember grandpa and his friends taking us on a snipe hunt at the farm one night. He had us convinced for hours that there were really snipes out in the woods just waiting to be caught and that if we called them they would come right to us. When I made the tennis team in high school he spent time with me on the tennis court practicing even in December.
He always had a smile and he always went out of his way to get you to smile. I guess a little bit of grandpa rubbed off on us grandkids because I find myself playing jokes on the neighborhood kids, I still love malted milkshakes (or just ice cream in general), as a teacher I like to pass out candy to the kids at school to bribe them to answer questions (it works!) and I hope that one day Jimmy and I will be able to teach our own kids how to play tennis, fish, play cards or just be like grandpa.
Thanks for all of the life lessons and all of the laughs. We love you and miss you very much!
Your granddaughter,
Kelli
Mike Doerhoefer
Mike Doerhoefer
December 20, 2008
Dear Dad,
I miss you being here with us, but I still talk to you often. There are so many things about life that you taught me as well as many others. You set a good example for life in general. Teaching a good work ethic, don't give up until the job was done and if it is worth doing it is worth doing right. You always had time to help us with anything.
You had great patience and never really complained much when I broke 3 lawn mowers in one summer or when I broke the gas tank on the car. You did make me help you to fix these items which taught me responsibility and how to fix things at the same time. I learned from you that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.
You worked hard, but would also take time to have fun as well. You did so much for many others by keeping the farm in good condition so everyone could enjoy it on the holidays and at other times. I knew it was a lot of work for you. I remember when we went to Florida that you took us deep sea fishing even knowing that you were going to get sea sick.
You taught me my sense of humor, you were always playing jokes on people and even had a box of magic tricks which you taught me how to work as well. At Christmas we always had to search for our main gift we had asked for because you always hid the most important one.
You are missed but always loved and remembered.
Love,
Your Son
Mike Doerhoefer
jeremy brown
December 20, 2008
what more could you say, grandpa. you kept us kids entertained with candy , tricks and teaching us games. you always had a funny joke to cheer us up or just a laugh. you always had time for others, and liked teaching me how to work on things and instilled a great work ethic upon me. (hayrides and gorillas chasing us) who else can say they got to do these things when they think of camping. grandpa had a lot to give and it is with his big heart that made such good memories for me.
Karen & Steve Bowling
December 15, 2008
Uncle Ken was a special person to me because he always seemed to be there when problems came up with my dad (his brother Teets).
He was there on the day he passed, just happened to stop by and another time when he was in the hospital, he came and sat with me. He just had a special way to always make you smile and be happy to be with him. He is missed by all that knew him.
Love, Karen
Joshua Brown
December 11, 2008
Grandpa, I always wanted to be you. The way you always were the center of attention at any time of the day. You were the only one that could make me so happy about having to work ALL DAY! You built my work ethic and it's FORD TOUGH.
You were always wanting to just hang out with me and show me how things worked. You were always happy to see me and never got angry or raised your voice no matter how hard headed i was. You had the life that I always wanted because YOU made it that way. Even with four kids you managed to be rich, with a pool table and a garage door opener. LOL
Grandpa There's a picture of you on my fridge and it will stay there always, just so people ask, Who's That? And I can tell your story. I love you Grandpa and you will always be missed.
Christi Doerhoefer
December 10, 2008
Grandpa, its been a year since you've been gone and I still think about you everyday. There are times when tears run down my cheeks when I think of you because I miss you so much. But a lot of the times I catch myself smiling remembering the many good times we had. You were more than a Grandpa to me. You were a comedian, a friend and a father figure. I loved our rides together to The Farm in your pick-up truck. It made me feel so special, like I was the chosen one. And of course we would always make a stop on the way for some of that Superman ice cream. Thank you for teaching me all of your magic tricks. But the best part was that when I performed them for you, you always acted like I completely tricked you. You definitely had a way with kids. And adults. You always had a smile on your face. And because of that fact, I thought in your later years that maybe you were on "happy" drugs. But of course you weren't, that was just you. I was amazed. (Even though I'm sure Grandma's care had something to do with your smile.) I don't think I'll ever meet anyone like you. I just hope that maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to find a husband half the man that you were. Grandpa, I'll never be able to look at a candy bowl again without thinking about you. I love you and I miss you!
Penny Brown
July 16, 2008
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
We miss you.
Linda Marcum
June 16, 2008
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
Daddy, this is the first Father's Day without you and it is bittersweet. I miss your funny smile and the twinkle in your eye. You seemed as though you always had something up your sleeve and you usually did! But, I am glad that you no longer can feel pain and suffering.
I want to thank you for giving me a wonderful childhood. You taught me right from wrong, good from bad even though it took a few spankings to get it right. We may not have had everything we wanted growing up but you provided everything we needed. We learned to work hard for all those extra things we wanted and were proud to do so.
I remember there was always lots of laughter and kidding at our house. We had to look for our Christmas presents and Easter baskets that you had hidden from us. You were always ready to play checkers, cards and games with us. That never stopped when we grew up we still enjoyed those games with you. And my, how you loved to win!
I want to thank you and mom for buying that land in Nelson County and creating a place for our families to enjoy. "The Farm" may be gone but it will never be forgotton. Our memories will keep it alive for many years to come. It became a place that helped keep our family and friends closer as we gathered for each new event. I know it was a lot of work, but you made everyone feel welcome who came to visit.
I could not have hoped for a better role model for a dad. Thank you for everything. Most of all for that bargain shopping gene!
I miss you so much.
Love, your daughter, Linda
Thelma Doerhoefer
June 9, 2008
Ken,
My love, my partner,my husband, my friend,my life. How I miss you!
I hope you knew how much joy you brought into my life and the lives of many others.
You were a wonderful husband, father grandfather and friend.
You had a childlike quality about you.You were able to entertain children with your love of magic tricks and jokes. Your appitite for ice cream, malted milk shakes, candy, rootbeer and cheese crackers equaled any childs.
You worked hard and played hard always willing to stop and help a friend.
We had many years together; but I can still see the laughing eighteen year old with auburn hair and big brown eyes I met sixty eight years ago. I knew right away that you were right for me.
I thank God for the many years we had together.
You have been gone from me for six months now. The days are lonesome and the nights are long. You will forever be in my heart and I will love you and miss you for the rest of my life.
Thelma
.
Thelma Doerhoefer
May 1, 2008
Summer Days
By
Jabob Rosenberger,Ken's great nephew
I remember those summer days like they were two days ago by my uncle's lake.That cool water, the wet mud, the dry raft, the tug of fish. Wind in my hair as I rush down the high wire on a swing. I remember those summer days like they were two days ago. But most of all I remember my Uncle Ken.
Submitted by Thelma Doerhoefer
Submitted by Penny Brown
April 10, 2008
GRANDPA KEN
Days at the Farm, sunny and warm.
Kids everywhere, things to be done.
Hay rides, haunted houses, campfires and candy.
Just the kind of special place a kid thinks is dandy!
Some in their tents hearing crickets or rain;
Others snug in campers with little on their brain
Except for tomorrow and what they have planned.
The Farm brought them freedom -- almost like Neverland.
They tracked the gorilla by day and feared him by night.
A gorilla wearing tennis shoes is really quite a sight!
Spirits from the haunted house got little ones agitated,
But everyone felt safe when Ken said, “Let’s V-8 it!”
Little fisherman might reel in their very first catch;
And little divers would belly flop to make a mighty splash.
Cozy nights telling stories around the roaring fire.
The bullfrogs croaking around the lake – a great amphibian choir.
The kids followed the Candy Man and his big bowl like he was the Pied Piper.
While the moms said a fervent prayer that the kids wouldn’t get hyper!
The Candy Man would tell them they’d all had enough –
If not, they would eat up every bit of the sweet stuff!
Pig roasts, luaus, western days, and Olympics;
Outhouse grand openings (we’ll skip the specifics).
Colorful spring days, rainy afternoons;
Holidays and weekends…They couldn’t come too soon!
Memories to treasure and good times to recall;
Friendship and fun was always had by all!
The heart of The Farm was Grandpa Ken and his jokes –
A kind and gentle person who’ll be missed by lots of folks.
- Kaye Kruetzman
December 12, 2007
Penny Brown
March 27, 2008
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.
I was truly blessed to have had my dad in my life. I could always count on him to be there for me, whether it was giving me piggyback rides, chauffeuring us to Coney Island or football games, babysitting my kids, coming to help when my car broke down, or helping Mike and I build a house.
He had a way of making everyone feel welcome by his teasing. And he could take it, too. I remember getting him in the eye with a squirt flower on his birthday cake. He exclaimed, "Penny Kay, where'd you learn to do something like that", to which I replied, "I had a good teacher!"
Dad, we'll never forget all the good times at the farm that you made possible. I know you had help sometimes, but the bulk of the care and expenses fell to you. You worked so hard so we could all come and have fun. There are a whole lot of people out there who have fond memories of things like the Outhouse Grand Opening, hayrides in the back of a pickup truck while shouting "V-8 it", haunted houses, and being chased by a gorilla through the woods. Being given candy at the end of the hayrides made everything better! You were so proud when Josh said his first word, and it was "hayride". My children were so fortunate to have you as a grandpa.
We'll remember you always smiling. Even though I know you're in a better place, you will be sorely missed. But you will most definitely never be forgotten.
Thank you, God, for giving him to our family. Please take good care of him until we meet again.
1972
March 26, 2008
February 5, 2008
Amy Bernheisel
January 29, 2008
In this day and age, it is so rare to find people who, without any benefit to themselves, strive to bring happiness to others. Ken Doerhoefer was one of those rare individuals, an example to all of us as we were growing up. It is said that a man's legacy rests in the hearts and minds of those who loved him - and in the case of Ken, that is truly an impressive claim. He was beloved by many, not just for the hayrides and candy, but for the magic and laughter he brought into all our lives. He will be sorely missed, but may we all follow in his footsteps and seek to fill the void by emulating his kindness, warmth, and generosity.
Kaye Kruetzman
January 29, 2008
Ken was always kind and generous to me and my children. The Doerhoefer family has given us lots of happy memories of good times. He was Grandpa Ken to every child at the farm. And, he certainly was a great friend and kind host.
Marsha Ramey
January 7, 2008
Thelma and family,
I was so sad when I heard of your loss. Ken was such a fun-loving person to be around. He touched many with his happy disposition and wit. Oh, and let's not forget the candy. I am happy to have known him. He will be greatly missed. Blessed are the many years of love and memories shared. God bless you all.
Erik Marcum
January 4, 2008
Grandpa . . . you have set a great example for your family of how to live and enjoy life. You gave so much of yourself into bringing warmth into the lives of others. It is surely not possible to count the number of smiles that you are responsible for, or the amount of laughter that is due to your playful sense of humor. You filled my childhood with so many wonderful memories. For your grandchildren and many others you made growing up around you a very special and unforgettable experience. You gave so much and only asked for a smile and a laugh in return. To one of the greatest men that I will ever know, thank you.
Carol Taylor
January 2, 2008
Ken will be missed by all my family. We are so fortunate to be considered as part of the Doerhoefer family. We will always cherish the good times we had with Ken and will miss his smiles and tricks. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew Ken.
Christmas 2001 - I believe he was "Moo-ing" when I took this! ;)
December 18, 2007
Camp Van Dorn Basic Training
December 18, 2007
Tanya Brunner
December 14, 2007
Ken has left a little piece of him in my heart I will never forget. He was like my step Grandpa. Im sure going to miss all those times we got to share every other week. Just laughing and cutting up with him when I should of been working. I know one thing he is one person I would love to see when I pass on. Ken you will be missed but never forgoten in my soul. God Bless, Your house cleaner and friend. Love you soo! Tanya
December 14, 2007
You and Thelma were the nicest people I have ever met. You invited us to play and enjoy your farm, and to scare us to pieces on the hayrides, and to fish and to tell scary stories by the fire and wonder when the gorliia was gonna get us. I had such a sense of family there with all of you. We felt so welcome. Im glad that my daughter and I got to meet you and can now share all those memories. I know she will miss the farm so much, and miss you. And so do I. Godspeed.
Steve Doerhoefer
December 13, 2007
To my grandfather... A man of many talents and generosity. Always encouraging and full of life. The one who taught me how to fish and wrench on cars. He also introduced me to several things for the first time, such as malted milkshakes, Cheez-its, checkers, chocolate and peanut butter toast, the game of pool, talk radio and Johnny Carson. For all these small things, I will never forget your kindness. ‘til we meet again, you will be greatly missed.
Weldon & Karen Wright
December 13, 2007
Remembering you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless
Fred & Mary Colosimo
December 11, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rebecca Jackson, President & CEO, WHAS Crusade for Children
December 11, 2007
It is people like Kenneth Doerhoefer who have made it possible for the WHAS Crusade for Children to help over 3 million children since 1954. His legacy will be seen for years to come in the lives of these children with special needs.
Thank you for remembering the Crusade in honoring him.
Stuart Smothers
December 11, 2007
A great brother-in-law, he had a wonderful outlook on life, his humor and warmth will be missed.
Patty Bouchillon
December 11, 2007
Ken was a very special person who always could make you laugh and smile.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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