Kenneth Alfred Kehlbeck

Kenneth Alfred Kehlbeck (Kenny), 94, passed away on November 18, 2022, following a brief illness. Kenny is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Mary Marcia; two children, Keith Kehlbeck (Ali Webb) of White Stone, VA, and Karol Kehlbeck of Indianapolis, IN, nephew Kevin Kehlbeck, son-in-law Stu Rhodes, four adored grandchildren, Emma Kehlbeck, Michelle Taylor (Jon), Megan Dobberstein (Seth), Grant Rhodes (Sarah), and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen Rhodes, his brother Howard, and his parents.

Kenny was born to Alfred and Bertha Kehlbeck and was raised on the southside of Indianapolis. A member of the Greatest Generation (World War II veterans), he was a proud graduate of Southport High School, class of 1945, having been President of the student board and first President of the National Honor Society. After graduation, he joined the Army, served in the China/Burma/India theater at age 18, and was in Nanking, China during the evolving Chinese civil war. Celebrating his wartime service, in April of 2019 he participated in an Indy Honor Flight to Washington, DC.

He grew up with his older brother, Howard, and after his Army service, he followed his brother into the banking business. He was a graduate of Central Indiana Business College, and attended Indiana University for two years and the American Institute of Banking. Starting as a messenger boy with Fletcher Trust, he worked at American Fletcher National Bank (subsequently Bank One and Chase), retiring after 48 years as Vice President and Manager of Loan Review.

Kenny was involved in many civic and professional organizations, including Robert Morris Associates, the Metro YMCA, the United Way, the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indiana Association of Credit Men. He also was a faithful churchgoer, confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a long-time member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Southport, and most recently, a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Westfield, IN.

He had a big heart, a giving nature, and a legendary sense of humor. “Papa jokes” became expected at family gatherings, and he maintained his sense of humor throughout subsequent health challenges. An avid card-player, he loved golf and fishing. He followed the Colts, Indiana University, Wabash College, and high school basketball. Other loves included Disney World, root beer floats, and his ubiquitous flat caps.

A memorial service will be held at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 15605 Ditch Road, Westfield, IN, on Saturday, December 17, 2022 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. before the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Concordia Cemetery.

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Kenny’s memory to New Hope of Indiana, 8450 N. Payne Road, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46268, or to Calvary Lutheran and Epiphany Lutheran Churches.