Mr. Kenneth E. Kirkenslager, 82, of Dallas City, IL passed away at 1:45 pm Thursday, June 20, 2013 at the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, IA.

Kenneth was born in Lomax, IL on February 16, 1931 the son of Troxel and Lela Moore Kirkenslager. He married Thelma Wibbell on September 3, 1950 in Dallas City.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. He owned and operated Kirks Department Store in Dallas City for 21 years. He also worked at Murray Iron Works, JI Case, IAAP and retired from the IL Department of Transportation in 1995 after 21 years of employment there. Kenneth was a member of the Dallas City American Legion and the Teamsters Union. He served on the Dallas City School Board, City Council and was Mayor Pro-Tem for 2 years. Mr. Kirkenslager was an avid Cubs fan, enjoyed NASCAR, mushrooming, feeding birds and watching Americas Funniest Home Videos. He was a 10 gallon blood donor. Kenneth loved his family and was happiest when they were all together.

Survivors include his wife, 3 children, Lesa (Larry) Regennitter of West Liberty, IA, Steven (Saundra) Kirkenslager of rural Niota, IL, and Lori (Mike) Gilpin of Dallas City, 2 grandchildren, Sloan Kirkenslager of Germany, and Spencer Kirkenslager at home, 2 brothers, Richard Kirkenslager of Powell, Wyoming, Larry Kirkenslager of Huntington Beach, CA, 1 sister, Lois Munson of Billings, MT and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Kirkenslager was preceded in death by his parents.

Services will be held Monday, June 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Banks and Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City with Rev. Will Fowler officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Crane Cemetery, Lomax, IL. The family will meet with friends Sunday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A memorial fund has been established for the Alzheimers Foundation.