Kenneth “Ken” Clarence Jahde passed away with his family by his side on July 7, 2022. He was 83 years old.
Ken was born on December 23, 1938, in Vail, Iowa, to Clarence and Hilda Jahde. He grew up on a farm near a small German town, Schleswig, IA. Ken’s small-town roots were always close to his heart. His childhood in Schleswig was filled with memorable family gatherings, church, school and sport activities. He earned 11 letters in 4 years in football, basketball, and track. He received honorable mention for the Iowa All State Football Team and placed 5th in state in the 800 yard dash in track. He was also class President Jr & Sr years and the Student Council President. He would carry the importance of family, church, and community throughout his life.
He graduated from Northwest Missouri State with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. There he also met his future wife in Biology class. He married Elender Hardin Barrett in 1961. They both taught school in Denver, CO, for a few years where they began their family. He was awarded his Master of Natural Science degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1965. He also began his career with the Standard Oil Division of American Oil Company in 1965. He would continue his successful career with Standard Oil/Amoco/BP until his retirement in 1999.
He raised his family for the majority of their lives in Naperville, IL. Even with full-time travel, he rarely missed an activity of theirs; which he relished. After retirement, he participated with Bike Across America and biked from the west to east coasts and then from the south to the north. In 2004, Ken and Elender moved to Savannah, GA, and enjoyed many quiet southern nights on their beautiful patio observing nature. He continued to enjoy biking and travelling. He loved staying in touch with his extended family, friends, his children, and grandchildren (Poppy’s greatest joy). He often said this past year that he “had a very blessed life.”
Ken is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elender Jahde; his daughter, Heather Nagle; son-in-law, Tyler Nagle; and grandchildren, Max and Hanna Nagle; his daughter, Jamie Jahde; and grandchildren, Baila and Seaton Edwards; and his son, Josef Jahde; and grandchildren, Emma, Iain, Nicolas and Anna Jahde; sister, Peggy Emma Koch; brother-in-law, Delwin Koch and their children and grandchildren.
A private family ceremony will be held this week. Friends and extended family are welcome to make donations to either of the following in his name.
American Lung Association
Hospice Savannah
Offer Condolence for the family of Kenneth Clarence Jahde, July 7, 2022, Savannah, Georgia
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Sonya Hardin Kannam
I grew up in awe of the love he outwardly and consistently showed to his family. Oh and that bright smile! Lucky to have crossed his path in life. Sending so much love to his family – my extended family.
Doris Wise
So sad, Ken was one of my most favorite people with Amoco., Worked with him in Savannah and then in Oakbrook, IL. Wonderful man., sad for you guys!!
Barb Beeck(Miller)
Ken was a wonderful person. I looked forward to visiting with him when he was in Schleswig.. His sister and I were good friends in high school. He will be missed by so many. Thanks to Elender I was able to keep up with them on Facebook. RIP Ken. My heart goes out to the family.
Rachel and John Broderick
To all of the Jahde family, Rachel and I send you our condolence of the passing of Ken. Rip our dear cousin and you will be missed.
Sandy Stanton
So many happy memories with Ken and Elender. Wonderful times at Northwest Missouri State, at all the weddings, and seeing them often in Naperville. We always had a great time together. I love the way they danced together.
Gwen ferguson
What a shock to see this, am so sad for each of you,always enjoyed seeing the family on Facebook.
Yes we went back in early years in Iowa as cousins and I am 92 and we did keep in touch through the years,my mother,sister and I were at Gloria’s funeral,often wondered about PEGGY, family is dwindling.
God bless each of you R.IN PEACE dear sweet Ken
Marlys Groth
Ken and I graduated together from Schleswig High School in 1957. So many great memories. Our parents were best friends as well! My deepest sympathy to Elender and their family.
Patti Brotherson
Ken was my cousin, his mother and my dad Edward Kropf were sister and brother. My father thought the world of him. We always had special times at Christmas at grandma Kropf. Always an up beat guy with a great personality. Will miss his visits and Xmas letters.
Kirsten Dreher
My deepest condolences to the Jahde family. I met your dad the first day I started with Amoco. I remember the pictures of his children on his desk. Everyone is now all grown up. Your dad was a kind and jolly man, always smiling. He will be missed by many.
Deb Tankle
We are so sorry for your loss. Our sincerest condolences to you, Heather, and your entire family.
Deb & Mark Tankle
Karen David Laspisa
With a heavy heart I send my condolences to Ken’s family. We worked together for many years and enjoyed having him over to our Naperville home.
Bill Robertson
I met Ken in 1975 when we both lived in Naperville and rode the train to the Chicago office. We were both members of the Swine Club the Amoco group that played gin on the train.
Our paths crossed often at work and occasionally on the golf course.
Ken was a true gentleman and I’m proud to have known him.
So sad to get this news. My condolences to the family.
Janet Parkerson
To Elender and family
My sincere condolences to all!
I remember all the fun “Swine” parties we all attended!!
I’m sure Ray is welcoming Ken into Heaven.
Janet Parkerson
Patricia Williams
Our Deepest Sympathy For Your Loss. May Beautiful Memories Bring You Peace During This Difficult Time.
Patricia & Family
Dale & Joan Lafrentz
There are not enough words to let you & your family know how broken hearted we both feel for your loss of Ken. You are all in the hearts of so many right now. We will miss your visits back to IA for our class reunions. Our deepest sympathy to you, Elender and your family.
Chris Shumaker
My deepest condolences to the extended Jahde family!
I worked for Ken in the late 80’s while he was the sales manager for Roland Hessel in the Amoco South/East Commercial & Industrial Sales office in Atlanta.
I remember the smile, the chuckle, & the whistle. Kenny was a supervisor, mentor, friend, & drinking buddy to me. I have many fond memories of poker games, baseball games, late night dinners, & Budweiser’s in a can.
Ken was a wonderful person.
God rest his soul!
Scott House
So sad to hear of Ken’s passing. He was my first boss at Amoco. Like Chris above, many great memories over the years. Was fortunate enough to meet him for a Budweiser in Savannah a couple years ago & reminisce. He will be missed!
Donna Horesh
It was an honor to spend time with your family. So much love and humor. I only wish I had had the pleasure for longer. Your family has my heart.
Donna
Lynn and Mary Unterbrunner
Elender and family:
So sorry to hear. Ken was a great boss and great personal friend. He will be missed. He was so proud of his family. Celebrate the life that he lived so robustly. I will have a Bud in his honor. Love to all.
Fawn Damitio
I’m so sorry to hear about Ken’s passing. Joe is a friend of mine and I’ve heard so many wonderful stories about his dad. I know that Ken was an inspiration for Joe and a loving father. I’m sure that Ken continues in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew and loved him.