In Memoriam: Rev. Kenneth Truckenbrod
We pray for Rev. Kenneth Truckenbrod’s family and friends after he passed away on July 15, 2022.
Kenneth John Truckenbrod was born on August 31, 1928, to Clara (Wilhelm) and Carl Truckenbrod. He grew up on the family farm and spent his early life helping his father manage the land, as well as, tending to the needs of the animals.
Ken was baptized and confirmed in St. John's Lutheran Church and was an active member. He taught Sunday School, held offices in the Luther League, and was president of the Luther League Federation, which consisted of several leagues. He also attended the National Luther League Convention in Pullman, Washington, which convinced him to follow the lead of his heart to prepare for full time ministry. He entered Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, at the age of 22. It was at Wartburg where he met his wife Wanda Billing. They were married in his second year of seminary. They were blessed with five children namely Kent, Brad, Lars, Paula, and Lora.
Ken's internship was spent in half time at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in La Mesa, California, and half time at San Diego State as pastor and leader of Lutheran Students at San Diego State (LSA).
He graduated from seminary in 1958, and after attending six weeks in hospital training in Dayton, Ohio, he served two parishes in Illinois before accepting a call to La Mesa, California, where he had interned. He later accepted a call to Pella Lutheran Church in Selma, California, where he served for 13 ½ years. Then he served his last 10 years at Bethel Lutheran Home in Selma as Administrator Chaplain.
Upon retirement Ken and his wife Wanda lived in Selma until they moved to Sun City, Arizona and enjoyed participating in Sun City activities. They spent the last 11 years at the Royal Oaks Community in Sun City.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother, Pastor Kenneth Truckenbrod. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”