Kenny Shilling, 85, of Oskaloosa, passed away at Mahaska Health on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Kenneth Wayne Shilling, son of John Daniel and Josephine Elizabeth (Messamaker) Shilling, was born on May 24, 1939, in Knoxville, Iowa. He grew up on a farm in the Bussey/ Twin Cedars area. Kenny graduated from Bussey High School in 1957. He began working for Bloom Builders, building pole barns as a self-employed contractor, a career lasting over 50 years, and retired in 2005 due to health concerns. After retirement, he mowed lawns, did lawn mower and golf cart repairs, and worked on anything with an engine; he also did snow removal.
Kenny met the love of his life, Lynda Jean Bakalar and the two were married on July 10, 1965, at the Grace Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa. He cherished time spent and memories made with his family. He found joy in working, but mostly in coffee time with his buddies, whom were a wealth of information. Some of Kenny’s favorite things to fill his days were snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, collecting guns, and a good ride on a roller coaster. He loved following his grandchildren’s activities.
Those left to honor and cherish Kenny’s memory are his beloved wife, Lynda, of over 58 years; his children, Lynne (Jeff) Van Maanen and Troy (LaCinda) Shilling both of Oskaloosa; four grandchildren: Kylie (David) Hecht of Merrill; MaKena Veldhuizen of Baxter; Mia Shilling of Oskaloosa; and Jayden Shilling of Oskaloosa; four great-grandchildren: Taydyn, Andrew, Landon, and Paxton; brothers: John (Cindy) Shilling of Centerville; Robert Shilling of Whiting; and several nieces and nephews.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dennis Shilling.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., at the Grace Lutheran Church with Reverend Roger Neumann officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the services, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time, at the Grace Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Lutheran Church. Internment will follow services at Forest Cemetery. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted with Kenny’s funeral arrangements.
