Kenneth Kaul

Kenneth Kaul or, more affectionately, “Coach”, died on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House. A visitation will be held from 9am to 11am Friday, June 6, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 18137 Criswell St, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722; the funeral service will begin at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Davenport North baseball program or the Quad City Animal Welfare Society. Ken will be laid to rest at Jack’s Cemetery in Le Claire, Iowa at a later date.

Ken was born in Freeport, Illinois on January 7, 1946 to Arlene (Queckboerner) and Clayton Kaul. His father later married Mildred Heffelfinger and he gained several step-siblings. Ken loved growing up on the farm in Chadwick, Illinois and was an exceptional catcher on their baseball team. He graduated from Chadwick High School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in physical education as well as play baseball at Iowa State University forever cementing his love for the Cyclones. In 1968, he married Deborah Pedersen and they had two children, Kelly and Patrick. Together, the family enjoyed boating, trips to Wrigley, and fishing in the Ozarks. He earned his Master of Science in Education in 1978 from Western Illinois University. He was formerly married to Christine Voyles, obtaining three step-daughters.

Ken was a PE teacher at Wood Junior High and North High School from 1968-2003. He loved coaching baseball and football at both Central and North High School, highlighted by a successful career as varsity baseball coach at North where he enjoyed meticulously grooming the baseball field that was later named in his honor. His players would probably describe him as tough, but fair, as well as someone who valued hustle over raw talent. Ken was proud to be inducted into the Davenport Community Schools Ring of Honor. As if this was not enough, he also co-owned Double K Painting with fellow teacher Paul Atkins and they spent summer painting homes and occasionally each others’ work boots.

True to his farm upbringing, he was up before dawn accomplishing more before 8am than most people in an entire day. His tireless energy, sense of humor, generosity, and unwavering kindness attracted countless wonderful friends (and several stray cats). He truly never met a stranger. When he wasn’t mowing his lawn for the third time in a week, he enjoyed fishing tournaments, hunting, watching his grandchildren play sports, teaching them how to shoot trap, and socializing at his favorite restaurants. Ken loved to travel and recently attended his granddaughter’s wedding in Sweden - a true adventure.

The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the compassionate and dedicated health professionals that have assisted in his care in recent months.

Among those left to honor his memory are his children; Kelly (Chris) Menge and Dr. Patrick (Elizeht) Kaul; grandchildren Madeleine, Mercedes (Ludwig), Aiden, Bryce, Riley, Addison and Sophia; brother, Eldon (Kathy) Kaul; nephews, Scott (Nichelle) Kaul and Brian (Ann) Kaul; stepsiblings Nancy (Dick) Janssen, Ronald (Lorie) Heffelfinger; step-children Jennifer McGee, Stephanie Schaefer, and Marcie Johnson, and several step-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Kaul, Kenneth (Theresa) Heffelfinger, and James (Sandi) Heffelfinger.