Herman Keith Redden

Herman Keith Redden

Nov. 24, 1922 -- May 13, 2012

FORT DODGE, Kansas -- Herman K. Redden, 89, died Sunday, May 13, at the Kansas Soldier Home in Fort Dodge Kansas. He was born Nov. 24, 1922, in Chase County Nebraska, son of Austin Earl and Mary Elisabeth (Mosher) Redden, growing up in the Prairie Jim Community.

On Oct. 18, 1945, Herman entered into active service of the Navy. He was honorably discharged Aug. 10, 1946. The story goes, he was the last of four brothers to enter the service as his paper work had been stuck to the back of his brother, Max's.

Prior to WWII, Herman farmed south of Champion Nebraska. Throughout his life he had many occupations. He worked the pipeline for several years, had a house moving business, operated a tree trimming business, was a beekeeper, a fur harvester, worked at the CO-OP in Trenton for several years, was a farm and ranch hand, and raised Walker and Redbone coonhounds. In the 1980s, he bred Toy Fox Terriers and raised Nubian Goats north and west of Ellis, Kansas, prior to retirement.

On Feb. 2, 1963, Herman married Elizabeth V. (Bess) Dixon. They were married 30 years and raised three daughters together.

Herman's pride was his five grandchildren whom he loved dearly; James Richard Redden, Laura Lynn Redden, Colleen Marie Garrett, Levi James Garrett, and Christopher John Garrett.

Survivors include his children, Mary C. Garrett of Timken, Kansas; Helen L. Redden of Minneola, Kansas; Darlene S. Redden and companion, Robert Still of Denver, Colorado; mother of his children, Bess Redden of Minneola; former son-in-law, Curtis J. Garrett of Afton Oklahoma; brother, Pat D. Redden and wife, Bernice of Palisade Nebraska; a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Herman was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Henry, Austin, Jim, Raymond, and Max; sisters, Gladus Bird, Annie Hogsett, Jessie Martin, Mattie North, Ollie May, Ida and Bessie; granddaughter, Mary Elizabeth Redden, and domestic companion, Lucile Lowe.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. (MDT) Saturday, May 19 at Leiwer Funeral Home in Imperial, Nebraska. Inurnment will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery, Lamar, Nebraska, with a reception to follow at the community center in Champion.

A memorial has been established in Herman's memory.

Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com.

Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.