Kenneth E. Cathelyn

Kenneth Eugene Cathelyn, 95, died peacefully November 7 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA. Ken had just celebrated his 95th birthday at Sweet Peas Grill with family and friends on October 28. Ken was a kind and gentle man who loved his family. Visitation for Kenneth will be Wednesday, November 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory- Atkinson Chapel. His funeral service is at 2:00 p.m., with granddaughter Lisa presiding. The service will be livestreamed on Vandemore Funeral Homes Facebook page. A luncheon and a social period will follow at the Gathering Place, Atkinson. We hold many fond memories of Grandpa and know he is happily reunited with his wife and children. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Atkinson or Henry County Senior Citizens - Meals on Wheels program. Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

Ken was born October 29, 1928, in Henry County, IL, the middle son of Evo and Kathryn (Brate) Cathelyn. His family grew up in Henry County and he attended school through 8th grade. Ken then became a farm hand for several farmers in the area and met his future wife, Lucille Lievens, at a dance in Kewanee in 1945. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II in the Pacific, January 1946-October 1947. After his service, Ken returned to Henry County and married Lucy on June 5, 1948, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hooppole. They settled on a farm in Loraine Township, where they lived for 42 years, raising livestock and managing the land. Their first child, Sharon Marie, was born in 1949, followed by son, Vernon Kenneth, in 1950. Ken and Lucy were members of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson. In 1992, they moved to Geneseo. Ken worked part-time at Smith Farm Supply, Prophetstown, and then at Sam’s Ultimate Car Wash, Geneseo. They became members of St. Malachy  Church. Their two children passed away in 2012. Lucy passed away in 2018. Ken enjoyed mowing his yard, tinkering in his garage, watching old westerns, and spending time with friends and family. In their earlier years, Ken and Lucy enjoyed attending their grandchildren’s events and spent many happy times with them. Ken was an active member of the Atkinson American Legion Post #724. He was a kind and gentle man who led a hard, quiet, but satisfying life.

Ken will be dearly missed by daughter-in-law, Karen A. Cathelyn, Geneseo; grandchildren Eric (Stephanie) Cathelyn, Carmel, IN; Laura (Greg) Steffensmeier, Des Moines, IA; and Lisa Cathelyn (Harley Demler), Stoughton, WI. His 6 great-grandchildren are Lilly, Hunter, Zachary, and Xavier Cathelyn and Brooke and Grant Steffensmeier. Other relatives who survive are: brother, Jim (Arlene) Cathelyn, Elizabethton, TN and brother-in-law, Richard (Betty) Lievens, Orion, IL. Several nieces, great-nieces, nephews, and great-nephews also survive him.

 Ken was preceded in death by his brother Duane (Helen) Cathelyn; siblings-in-law Bob (Betty) Lievens, Lawrence (Dorothy) Lievens, Gene (Evelyn) Lievens, and Barbara Cathelyn.