Kenneth C. Sewell was born on February 1, 1930 to James and Ida (Sell) Sewell in Oelwein, Iowa.  He grew up in the area and graduated from Oelwein High School in 1949.  On May 31, 1953 he was united in marriage to Darlene K. Stone at the Methodist Church in Strawberry Point, Iowa.  Ken worked at Rath Packing for ten years.  He joined the National Guard in 1948 and from 1959 to 1982 he was full time, raising him to the rank of Supply Sergeant.

In his early years, Ken was a projectionist at The Grand, The Ritz and The Drive-in theaters.  On Saturdays nights it was baths for all three kids, into PJ’s, popcorn and goodies and drinks to go, and don’t forget the “P” can.  No one got out of the Blue Ford Station wagon!  Good old days.  In his later years Ken & Darlene managed the West Haven Apartments.

Ken was an avid reader of Louis L’amour Westerns.  He collected stamps, coins and model cars.  He also enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, keeping his vehicles cleaned and in good working order, but his greatest love was his wife and family.  He was a member of Methodist Church in Aurora, Iowa, Moose Lodge and the Oelwein Railroad Museum board.  We had our card games every day.  Ken was at my elbow to help me with things up high or open that door for me.  He was a true gentleman all the way.  I will miss him terribly.

Ken is survived by his wife Darlene of Oelwein, three children, Beckie (Douglas) Child of Aurora, Iowa; Jim (Julie Houston) Sewell of Marshalltown, Iowa and Rick (Krysta) Sewell of Waterloo, Iowa.  Ten grandchildren, Christopher Child, Elizabeth Child, Sara (Child) Connolly, Amanda (Sewell) Berg, Curtis Sewell, Kimberly Sewell, Jessica (Sewell) Smith, Kaylee (Sewell) Harting, Jaime Sewell and Kenda Sewell and thirteen great-grandchildren. 

Ken was preceded in death by his parents James and Ida, two brothers, Wilbert and James Sewell and a sister Wanda (Sewell) Stolfus. 

SERVICE: 11:00 am on Thursday September 2, 2010 at Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.

VISITATION: 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home and for one hour before the service on Thursday.