Kenneth John Osterhaus

Kenneth John Osterhaus, 80, of Mesa, AZ passed away April 12, 2013. He was born August 13, 1932 in Beattie, KS to Joseph Alphonse and Josephine [Enneking] Osterhaus. Kenneth was a horticulturist and owned and operated his own lawn service business after many years of working for the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka, Kansas, where he grew to love trains. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Japan during the Korean conflict and was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, picnics, camping, and playing cards. He also had a fondness for John Deere tractors. Kenneth was a gentle man who enjoyed being around people. He loved everyone and wanted everyone to love him. But above all, Ken loved his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mary, and his brother Joe. He is survived by Mary Hrenchir of Apache Junction, AZ. Ken and Mary were married for 25 years and have remained good friends for 28 years after their divorce. He is also survived by his daughter Carol Osterhaus, of Chandler, AZ; sons Wade (and wife Dawn) Osterhaus of Mesa, AZ and Gregory Osterhaus Ph.D., of Lawrence, KS; grandchildren Avery, Rachelle, Stephan and Anna; brothers Clarence, Raymond, Melvin and Vince; sisters Gladys Ennis and Rose McMurphy as well as many friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, April 18, 2013 with a visitation one hour prior at Mariposa Gardens Funeral Care, 6747 E. Broadway Rd. in Mesa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to Hospice of Valley, 1510 E. Flower St, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Please visit www.mariposa gardens.com to leave condolences. (480) 830-4422