Kenneth Waelder

Kenneth Waelder, age 88, of Hannibal, MO passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at his home.

Per Kenneth's request private graveside services with full military honors will be held in the Grand View Burial Park.  Kenneth's nephew Curt Riley will officiate.

The family is being served by the Smith Funeral Home & Chapel of Hannibal.

Kenneth was born on March 29, 1936, in Hannibal, MO the son of Eugene and Julia (Haworth) Waelder.

He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Juette on July 7, 1962  in Hannibal, MO.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Waelder of the home, two sons, Kevin Waelder (Barb) of O'Fallon, MO and Jeffrey Waelder, daughter, Alicia Waelder of Indianapolis, IN,  sisters, Mary "Fonnie" Fletcher (Tom) of Hannibal, MO, and Norma Perkins and several nieces and nephews.

Also surviving are Kenneth's precious grandchildren, Jennifer Waelder, Jeffrey Waelder II, Jason Waelder, Ellie Lee (Drew) and his four great-grandchildren, Lexie, Liam, Emerson and Barret.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Eugene Waelder, Jr., Jack Edward Waelder and Harold Dean Waelder,  four sisters, Betty Waelder, Joanne Power, Marilyn Hammock and Carolyn Waelder.

Kenneth graduated from Hannibal High School and went on to Honorably serve his country in the U.S. Army.

Professionally Kenneth was self-employed as a Brick Mason.

Kenneth was a well known Mason in the Hannibal area, working on and building numerous houses around Hannibal.  He was also co-owner with wife Pat of The Hickory Stick Quilt Shop and of Angels & Inspirations. In the 90's, Kenneth along side his friend Mike O'Cheltree began  putting up the Main Street Christmas lights that is still a favorite tradition today. Carpentry work was another passion of Kenneth's, working alongside his friends Bill Jameson and Bob Maloney, they put in many hours restoring the building at 221 N. Main Street to its natural glory.  Kenneth loved being outdoors gardening and his fishing every chance he could. Kenneth's greatest joy was his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Kenneth was a Christian by faith.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Waelder, Jeffrey Waelder II, Alicia Waelder, Ellie Lee, Tom Fletcher and  Deanie Waelder.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in care of Smith Funeral Home & Chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family on Kenneth's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com