Obituary

Kenneth L. Deckert, 83, who retired to North Newton in 1989 from IBM in San Jose, California, died September 11, 2014 while in hospice care.

He was born in Glendive, Montana to Alvin and Annie Deckert, who preceded him in death, and lived through his high school years on a farm near Richey, Montana.  Ken graduated from Bethel College with a degree in mathematics, and went on to teach at his home high school in Richey, at Freeman Academy and Junior College in South Dakota, and then several years at Bethel. He earned his doctorate from Iowa State University, which led immediately to his career position with IBM. There he received several awards for mathematical computation work on computer disk reading heads, and a number of patents. He served on the Bethel Board of Directors from 1989-2001, the years 1993-1996 as Chair.  Ken was a lifelong member of the Mennonite Church. In retirement he was very much devoted to his family-his mother (then still living), to siblings, and to his nephew and three nieces. They were not the only beneficiaries of his generosity: many organizations also knew his charitable giving.

He is survived by his sister Alison Hiebert and husband Harvey, and brother Marion and his wife Lois both of North Newton, Kansas.

A memorial service will be Friday, October 3 at 11 a.m. at Bethel College Mennonite Church. Gifts may be designated to the church, or to Bethel College. Petersen Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.