Kenneth Franklin Weihs

Kenneth Franklin Weihs passed away peacefully Wednesday morning April 27, 2022 at his home in Bradenton, FL. Ken was born on November 22, 1938 in Harlan, IA to the late Clarence and Cecilia Weihs. He was the loving husband for 30 years to his best wife (Ken’s words) Barbara “Kay” until she passed in November 2014. He was a dedicated and loving father to his four daughters, Susan Corbett of Cedar Creek, TX, Sherry Dale (Mike Goodwin) of West Jordan, UT, Carla Vagnini (Paul) of Bradenton, FL and Candace Robertson (Bryan) of Bourbon, MO. He was the proud grandfather to 9 grandchildren: Denise (Cody), Mandy (Dave), Mark (Nicole), Ryan (Bethany), Chris (Amber), Zac, Amanda (Ted), Sarah and Jonathan. He was pleased to hear he had 18 great-grandchildren. Ken also had two stepsons from his marriage to Kay; Kyle Pirtle (Louisville, KY) and Jim Pirtle (Sherrills Ford, NC). One of Ken’s favorite memories was going to the Kentucky Derby with Kyle. Ken was the oldest of nine children. Pre-deceased by brothers Richard and Don, and sister Mary Paulson. Ken was the brother to Theresa Schafer (Marty), Barbara Cheney (Jim), Jerry (Lila), Clarence Jr. (Susie), Frank and brother-in-law John Paulson. Ken leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. During Ken’s life he: had a horse as a child, worked on his uncle’s farm, was a Truck Driver for his father’s trucking company; worked construction and sold Archway cookies. Most notable Ken served in the United States Army from 1958-1992. He served in during the Vietnam war and saw Bob Hope and Elvis Presley. He retired from the Army at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Ken was quite proud of his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Brigham Young University. Ken enjoyed being pilot flying Cessnas. While on one flight he was at a fueling stop where he met John Wayne. Ken ran a bowling alley, and then was employed by the Department of Defense as a Contract Specialist until he retired in 2007. During Ken’s life he lived in Iowa, Nebraska, California, Utah, Missouri, Alabama, Virginia and Florida. He loved driving motorcycles and was an avid car buff. Kay treated Ken to a Nascar racing experience where he did a ride-along at speeds over 160 mph. He said it was a real thrill. Ken loved when family came to visit him and really enjoyed spending weekends at Carla and Paul’s having all his favorite dishes followed by vanilla ice cream, topped with chocolate and cherries. He always enjoyed seeing alligators and all the wildlife in their community. He treasured talking with his daughters daily/weekly getting all their family updates and after quite a bit of practice even got the hang of video calls despite the daughters seeing only his forehead and the ceiling. Ken will be missed by all whose lives he touched. His love, sense of humor and boyish smile that would light up the room. He loved his Florida life and all those who helped him daily have the best life he could possibly have. Those of us left behind are comforted to know he passed away peacefully and is reunited with his wife Kay and family that have gone before him. Ken will be buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington DC.