Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D
Obituary | Kenneth D. Wedel, M.D. of Minneapolis, Kansas | Wilson Family Funeral Home
July 28, 1932 - March 13, 2021
Kenneth Dean Wedel, M.D., surrounded by family, died in peace at his home on March 13, 2021 at the age of 88. Ken, the son of Arthur A. and Elizabeth K. Wedel, was born at the family farmhouse in McPherson County, Kansas on July 28, 1932, one hour before his beloved identical twin brother, Kermit. From the beginning, the twins were inseparable. Of Swiss Mennonite heritage, they both spoke only German until the age of five.
Ken attended grade school at Garden Valley District No. 43, a one-room country schoolhouse in McPherson County, KS, and then Moundridge High School. After graduating from Bethel College in North Newton, KS, he received his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Always a Jayhawk, as twins Ken and his brother Kerm portrayed the role of James Naismith on each side of the basketball court at the opening ceremony of Allen Fieldhouse on March 1, 1955.
On April 30, 1954, Ken married his best friend and soulmate Dardanella Estelle Stucky, at the Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge, KS. After earning his medical license, Ken and Darda moved to Minneapolis, KS, which became their forever family home and the place where they raised their five children. Ken began his medical career in Minneapolis in 1961 at the newly constructed Minneapolis Clinic. Sears-Roebuck agreed to provide the plans for the clinic at no cost. The charge for an office call was $1.50 for all patients; 50₵ for Medicare. With the presence of Ken and Kerm and the support of the community, the Ottawa County Hospital became a reality in 1964, followed by the opening of the Childs Clinic in Delphos, KS in 1970. He made house calls and appreciated the graciousness of the many methods of thanks shown by his patients, fresh vegetables, homemade pies, and other gifts from the heart. Ken loved the communities he served, the patients he cared for, and the nurses and the staff. Ken was grateful to learn at his retirement that a wing of the hospital was named in his honor.
As much as he loved his calling, nothing could compare to his love for Darda and family. He never missed a family event or a ball game. He knew the score of every game they played and loved to watch the Royals, Chiefs, KU and the Minneapolis Lions, especially with the Wedel clan. He was always there for family with words of encouragement and a listening ear, never raising his voice. He was an invaluable role model for his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Ever humble in his endeavors, the family learned from the newspaper and not from Ken that in 1988 he was named Kansas Family Physician of the Year, a prestigious award based on nominations received from 607 physicians in the state.
With five kids at home and a busy career, Ken’s life would not have been complete without Darda, the cog in his wheel of life. From the time they met, to the end of his life, he wanted nothing more than to have her by his side. Darda gave him happiness, a loving home and peace, and he is at peace now with a life that was happy, filled with joy and family.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Delbert and sister Leola. He is survived by his wife, Darda, his brother Kerm (Kathleen), 5 children, Susan (Brad) Krehbiel, Karen (Randy) Renwick, Mark (Carolyn) Wedel, Mike (Nancy) Wedel, Duane (Janette) Wedel, 12 grandchildren; Ben (Erin) Krehbiel, Ty (Kim) Krehbiel, Courtney (Brandon) Horn, Emma Renwick, David (Pilar) Wedel, Jessica Wedel, Aaron (Sarah) Wedel, Drew (Kylie) Wedel, Ryan (Torey) Wedel, Mason Wedel, Logan Wedel, Sydney (Aaron) Brooks, 11 great grandchildren with 3 more on the way and a special family friend, Carolyn Coon. Ken leaves behind a legacy of love.
The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Kelly Yoxall and Dr. Trisha Barker Little, the daughter of his former partner and close personal friend, Dr. Steve Barker.
The family will be holding a private memorial service. Visitation without the family present will be from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M, Friday, March 19 at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church or the Minneapolis Community Foundation Ken Wedel Fund created in his honor so that Ken and Darda can continue to support the community they love. The memorials may be mailed to the Wilson Funeral Home P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis KS 67467.
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