Kenneth Lee Francis Ihlenfeldt's Obituary
Kenneth Lee Francis Ihlenfeldt, age 81 of Bronson, FL passed away Sunday November 10, 2019 in Gainesville, FL. He was born August 9, 1938 in Coupland, TX to Awalt Friedich Wilhelm Ihlenfeldt and Lucille Elise Matlock.
As a young man he proudly served in the US Marine Corps. He would often say that being in the Corp was a life-defining, and life-changing, experience for him, something for which he would always be grateful. After an honorable discharge from the Marines he never forgot the deep bonds he had forged with his fellow warriors and with the Corp. “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” he would often say.
Ken went on to lead an adventurous life which took him to many places around the world. His enterprising spirit spurred him to many and varied business endeavors. Among these enterprises he gained a wealth of knowledge in the realm of commercial aviation and the marine industries. He held a commercial pilot’s license, flew in flying competitions and had been involved in the training of pilots with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. He also held US Merchant Mariners qualifications. He built a successful marine business from the ground up. In his latest years, going back to his roots, a three-generational family of farmers in Texas, he turned his time and talents to creating an integrated farm system using aquaponics. He loved the peace and beauty of life on his farm in the country.
He is survived by his daughters, Grace Marie Ihlenfeldt and Kiera Fiveash; brothers, Larry Ihlenfeldt and George Hernandez; and caregiver and surrogate-daughter, Marie Joseph. He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Benson Ihlenfeldt.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Faith Catholic Church with Father Emmanuel Pazhayapurackal as celebrant. Burial will follow at 1:30pm at Florida National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, November 18, 2019 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. with a Rosary to be held at 6:00 p.m. at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 N Main St.
Please visit his memorial page at www.williamsthomasfuneralhome.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS DOWNTOWN
(352)376-7556
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