Kenneth Ochsner

Kenneth Leroy Ochsner of Kaylor, SD passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Veterans’ Administration Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, SD, at the age of 90 years old.

Funeral service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 8 at Scotland Community Church. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. Burial, with military rites will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Scotland.

Ken was born on February 3, 1935 in rural Hutchinson County to Fredrick (Bill) and Martha (Reister) Ochsner. He grew up on the family farm north of Scotland, SD, attended country school and was a graduate of Scotland High School. Ken proudly served his country in the US Army for 2 years, stationed near Chicago, IL. On February 22, 1959, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Schoon (Henry and Lena Schoon) at Bethany Reformed Church in Scotland. Together they resided and farmed near Kaylor, SD for over 50 years.

Ken was an active member of the United Church of Christ and over the years served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School, and enjoyed singing in the Men’s Choir. Ken also served many years as the Clerk of Kaylor Township. He and Dorothy enjoyed bowling in mixed leagues in Scotland and Tripp throughout the years. Ken was also an aspiring James River fisherman. In his retirement, Ken enjoyed travelling and seeing the country with family and friends. Even though he had retired from farm duties, he still enjoyed morning and evening chores of feeding the farm cats and chickens and collecting eggs.

Ken’s memory will be cherished by his daughter, Beverly (Robert) Ulmer of Tabor; three sons: Mark Ochsner of Kaylor, John (Kim) Ochsner of Hartford, and Ardell Ochsner of Jesup, Iowa; nine grandchildren: Stephanie Ellis, Brittany (Tony) Shelburg, Lindsay Ulmer, Scott (Kate) Ulmer, Tanya (Jake) Kane, Kyle (Megan) Ochsner, Zoey (Layne) Lewis, Kamden and Brennan Ochsner; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy and his brothers.