Kenneth Mehlhaff

Kenneth “Ken” Nordine Mehlhaff, 63, of Frederick, SD, passed away Sunday, December 17, 2023, at his home.

Ken’s wishes were to be cremated.  A Memorial Service and Interment with Military Honors will be held at a later date at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.  Family and friends may sign the online guestbook.

Kenneth Nordine Mehlhaff was born on December 26, 1959, to Marvin and JoAnn (Huwe) Mehlhaff in Aberdeen, SD.  Ken was raised in Aberdeen, where he attended school and graduated high school.

He was united in marriage to Jackie Johnson in 1982 before joining the United States Air Force.  To this union, two children, Steven and Jennifer, were born.  During his nine years of service, Ken traveled the world, honorably serving in Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf War and living overseas in Okinawa, Japan.

Upon leaving the service, Ken launched a career with Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM.  Ken spent many years here before returning to the Midwest to be near his family.  Ken was united in Marriage to Maria Ellis in Saint Paul, MN, in 2017.

Ken was an extremely gifted guitar player, and he was known for his love of music.  He shared this love wherever he went, and never went long without picking up a guitar.  He also developed a passion for cooking and incorporated flavors from his travels to his many unique dishes.

Grateful for having shared Ken’s life are his mother, JoAnn Mehlhaff; two children: Steven (Mayde) Mehlhaff, and Jennifer Reder; three grandchildren: Austin, Oliver, and Tucker Mehlhaff; three sisters: Barb (Gene) Dickmann, Marva (Scott) Schuma, and Pam (Dillon) Cutler; one brother Chris (Wendy) Mehlhaff; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will all miss him dearly.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Mehlhaff, his wife, Maria Mehlhaff, and his brother Randy Mehlhaff.