Kenneth C Smedegard

Kenneth Smedegard, age 82, of Gatesville, passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at a Temple hospital. Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Friday at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6-8:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home. Mr. Smedegard was born on June 16, 1927 in Whittlesey, WI to the late Albert and Minnie Jarchow Smedegard. He attended school in Medford, WI and joined the Army at the end of WWII. He served in the military for 30 years, 23 of which he served overseas, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. He met and married Louise Miller while they were both serving their country. They were married in Afghanistan and were together for 42 years. His last duty post and where he retired was at Ft. Hood, TX. They moved to Gatesville in 1974 and he spent his retirement years restoring and improving his home and farm and caring for their animals. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 42 for 16 years, serving in several leadership positions. He played a crucial role in beginning and supporting, along with the Exchange Club, the 4th of July Veteran’s Parade in Gatesville. He was also active with the Disabled Veterans and the VFW. Ken was an avid supporter of honoring and caring for veterans. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Celia Leischer, Hazel Wuethrich, Verna Wacek, James Smedegard, Stella Smedegard, and Leona Steen. He is survived by his wife Louise Smedegard; son James Smedegard and wife Mary of Illinois; sister, Merle Tervi; brothers, Lyle Smedegard; grandchildren, Anastasia Smedegard and Natalie Smedegard; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorials be made in Ken’s honor to the American Legion Post #42.