Kenneth Raymond Schmidtke

Kenneth R. Schmidtke, 81, of Oelwein, Iowa, died on Wednesday evening, March 29, 2023, at MercyOne Medical Center in Oelwein.

There are no services planned at this time.

Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home, Oelwein, Iowa, is assisting the family.

Condolences may be directed to: 22 5th Avenue SW, Oelwein, Iowa 50662.

Online obituary at www.jamisonschmitzfuneralhome.com

Kenneth Raymond Schmidtke was born September 21, 1941 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Harold Raymond & Pauline F. (York) Schmidtke. He graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in the class of 1960. Ken joined the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper in Vietnam. He was a member of the 5th special force unit (Green Berets) as advisors to the South Vietnamese Army. Ken was united in marriage to the love of his life, Diane Margaret Stafford, on September 13, 1969 in Reno, Nevada. Ken worked a number of maintenance jobs in Santa Clara, California. After retiring, Ken and Diane moved to Oelwein in 2002. Ken was a gifted artist. He enjoyed drawing, painting, metal sculpture, making custom cabinets, wood carving and model boat building. Ken was a jack of all trades and could make about anything.

Ken is survived by his Wife: Diane Schmidtke; 2 Daughters: Lori and Nicole and numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters: Caryl and Cathie.