Kenneth Herfkens

Kenneth Dean Herfkens, MD (b. 1939) died at home on October 21, 2025. He is survived by his children, Kris, Michael Herfkens (Ginny), and Kate Herfkens Ampleman (Jim), grandchildren Tommy Leigh, Audrey, and Austin, Madeline, and Connor, and his dog Cody. His wife, Mary Ann Herfkens, predeceased him. Ken was a physician who loved caring for his patients and practicing medicine. He was beloved by his family and friends, who knew him to be a thoughtful and kind man.

Ken will be remembered with deep love and affection by his children and grandchildren. Kris was never able to beat him at tennis, even though she remains certain that she is a better tennis player. Michael became ultra-safety conscious after Dad taught him ax safety by putting an ax into his own knee. In a similar vein, Kate learned that Jiffy Pop is dangerous after Dad almost set his boat on fire with it. Ken taught his children to love the outdoors. He taught us to enjoy the peace of the woods, camp, canoe, and sail. He loved to bake bread and cinnamon rolls for us and passed that tradition down to his kids. Spending weekends with Dad on his sailboat, dropping anchor for the night in a quiet cove, was a favorite of all of us, maybe especially Kate. All of us have sweet memories of laying in the grass or hammock listening to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball on an AM radio with Dad, with the scent of newly cut grass as the backdrop.

The family will be having a private service. Our Dad supported the work of The Kitchen (www.thekitcheninc.org); memorial donations may be directed to them.