Dr. Kenneth Harold Wulfekuhle

    Dr. Kenneth H. Wulfekuhle, age 70, of Edgewood, Iowa, was welcomed into Heaven while at home surrounded by family on Monday, September 18, 2017, after a difficult battle with cancer. 

     Ken was born in Independence, Iowa, on January 15, 1947, to Harold Sr. and Marie (Holtz) Wulfekuhle.  He was the eldest of six children.  The family moved to Edgewood when Ken was in second grade, where he later graduated from Edgewood-Colesburg High School in 1965. Ken went on to Iowa State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in Animal Science in 1969, and subsequently, his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1973.  During those years he met (on a blind date!) and dated his soulmate, Judy K. Jorgensen, of Fort Dodge, IA. The couple married on June 21, 1969, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Ames. After graduation, Ken joined the Valley Veterinary Clinic in Elgin, Iowa, where he practiced for nine years.  Thereafter, the Wulfekuhles made their permanent home in Edgewood.  Ken (‘Doc’) became partner and senior member of the Edgewood Veterinary Clinic, where he finished his 42-year career, retiring in January 2015.  Remember that red Chevy vet truck?

     Ken was passionate about making a positive impact in his community.  He served as a member on the school board of Edgewood-Colesburg Community School District from 1987-1993. He was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Edgewood and served there on Parish Council, Finance Board and Education Board.  At St. Mark’s he also taught classes for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA); served as Eucharistic Minister; and proudly earned the Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus, where he actively emphasized the human Right to Life.

     He was an avid craftsman, rebuilding classic cars and Allis Chalmers tractors from mere parts scattered on the shed floor to the final award-winning product!  His red 1965 Chevelle ‘Hot-Rod’ won several trophies, and the couple enjoyed many sunset cruises.  Ken’s favorites included rooting on the Iowa State Cyclones, playing with grandkids, traveling, watching a good movie while shoveling in popcorn, and especially dancing with his sweetheart Judy.  A farmer at heart, he tended to his prairie, grape crop, and numerous apple trees.  He even took on guitar lessons in his retirement!  And if he had a good joke to tell, you might be slapping your knee and crying a few tears in laughter.  His honesty and integrity were second-to-none.

     Survivors include his wife, Judy, of 48 years; four children, Dr. Sheryl (Mike) Hansel of Cedar Falls, Dr. Bryan (Kimberly) Wulfekuhle of Peoria, Illinois, Kara (John) Wessel of Colesburg, and Melanie Wulfekuhle of McFarland, Wisconsin; and seven grandchildren.  Also living are his mother, Marie; siblings, Danny (Becky) Wulfekuhle, Linda (Al) Williams, Harry (Kathy) Wulfekuhle Jr., all of Edgewood, and Debbie (Larry) Philipp of Ankeny; his mother-in-law, Carol Jorgensen of Edgewood; and many nieces and nephews.

     Ken was preceded in death by his father, Harold Sr.; his brother, Michael; and two grandsons, Logan and Conner Hansel.

     In lieu of flowers, the family wishes all memorial donations to be gifted to the University of Iowa Foundation, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa, 52244-4550. 

     For online donations, visit www.givetoiowa.org/cancer. Please note in memo line: In memory of Dr. Ken Wulfekuhle. Credit card gifts are accepted by calling toll free 800-648-6973, ext.895.

     The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Regional Medical Center Hospice of Comfort for their care and support in Ken’s final days.

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