Kenneth Duane "Pete" Dewald

Kenneth (Pete) DeWald, age 92, passed away peacefully at Richmond Care Center on August 7, 2024. Pete was born in Ottawa, Kansas, March 31, 1932, to Kenneth E. and Deloris E. DeWald.

Pete served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, obtaining the rank of Sergeant, earning the Bronze Star, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Pete was also awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for his exceptional service.

Pete loved his work, he was a mechanic and proprietor of the Skelly Station in Ottawa for over thirty years. He also worked at Harry Smith Auto Supply and Greenlight Auto Supply until he retired. Maintaining cars for his four teenagers was quite a chore! He spent many hours with his son Dan, fixing up old cars, the most prized being a 1957 Chevy Nomad.

Pete had many hobbies including building and flying radio-controlled airplanes, metal detecting, and woodworking. Many family homes are filled with his homemade gifts of jewelry boxes, tables, dollhouses, cabinets, and toy chests.

A devoted father and husband, Pete took excellent care of his wife Ruthie, seldom leaving her side. He was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. Pete will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruthie DeWald; infant sister Beverley DeWald, brother Bill DeWald, sister Marlene Everett; nephews Michael Milton and Billy DeWald; son-in-law Jim Worley; brothers-in-law Ron Milton and John Howard; and great-grandson Simon Turner.

He is survived by his children: Roxie (Kevin) Kelly, Janet Worley, Kenna (John) Howell, and Dan (Marylou) DeWald; grandsons: John Howell, Kellen Howell, Scott Kelly, Kyle Kneller, and Jake Bove as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Pete is also survived by sisters Barbara Milton, Cheryl Poole, and June Howard.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Richmond Care Center or Prairie Wind Hospice c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067, both giving excellent care to Pete and Ruthie over the past few years.