Kenneth L. Pigorsch, 81, lifelong resident of Herington, died Saturday, August 16th, 2014, at the Herington Hospital. He was born on Thursday, September 15, 1932, at Herington, the son of Henry A. and Emma M. (Deines) Pigorsch.
Funeral Service will be early Tuesday afternoon, August 19th, 2014, at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, with Rev. Troy Slater officiating; burial will follow at the Sunset Hill Cemetery with military honors. Musician for the service will be Lori Moldenhauer. The following will serve as pallbearers Brantin Beeton,
Brooks Beeton, Leroy Guy, Brandon Pigorsch, Tom Schlesener, and Ryan Sullivan.
Married Wilma J. Richmond Beeton, on October 18, 1957, at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church; she preceded in death on February 24, 2007. He is also preceded in death by his grandson Brock Pigorsch (01/18/2008), three (3) brothers (Henry, Jr., Wayne “Bud”, & Eugene), a sister Twilet Lane, and his parents.
He is survived by three (3) sons: Bruce Beeton (wife-Kim), and Brad Pigorsch (companion-Casey Jarvis) both of Herington, and Brent Pigorsch (wife-Jane) of Lincolnville; five (5) grandchildren (Ryan, Brandon, Brooks, Brea, Braxton); and three (3) great grandchildren (Brantin, Brogan, Bryant).
Mr. Pigorsch retired Lead Railroad Carman in 1994 from the Southern Pacific Railroad, he first began working in 1980 for the Rock Island Railroad. He was an active member of the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Herington. He served on the Herington School Board, and was Past President; and he served on the Herington Hospital Board. Graduated from Herington High School with the class of 1950. Served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as an Airman First Class.
Kenny enjoyed his family and friends. He was currently serving as Head Elder and President of the Congregation for Our Redeemer, he sang in the choir, and other offices. He sang in the community choir, and he would also sing solos because of his wonderful baritone voice. He was also past president of the Carey R. McClaren American Legion Post #12, Herington; and was chairperson for many years of the Turkey Shoot Weekends, and Bingo Nights. He was Past Local Chairman of the Brotherhood of Railway Carman, Local #76. He was a member of the Herington County Club, and he was a past member of the Herington Sportsman Club.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf (especially with his grandkids). He was coach of the American Legion Baseball Team for many years. He coached the Our Redeemer Youth Baseball, and was instrumental in starting the Herington Church League Summer Baseball Program. He started the Herington Kids Wrestling Program, and was their first coach. For many years assisted with Middle School and High School with football, basketball, and wrestling; keeping statistics, running the score board, and working on the chain gang. Herington was known for its fast pitch softball league, and when Harlan Schlesener would pitch (he is in the Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame) and Kenny was the only one who could catch for Harlan because how fast he could throw the softball.
Memorials to the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, or the Hospice of Dickinson County; and they may be sent in care of the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home & Crematory, Herington Chapel, 404 S. Broadway, Herington, KS, 67449-3038.