Kenneth Kasper Huber

Kenneth “Ken” Kasper Huber, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 26, 2021 after a long battle with kidney disease. Ken was born in the Thornburg Hotel in Thornburg, Iowa on July 14, 1933, to John and Marguerite (Kincaid) Huber. Growing up he excelled in many activites, he was an Eagle Scout, member of the track team and Demolay, and the 1950 Hawkeye Boys State Sheriff. After receiving the Citizenship Award and graduating from Albia High School in 1952 he married the love of his life, Opal Sample on June 15, 1952. From then on Ken and Opal were always together. Some of their first dates included hunting rats, fishing for frogs, and dancing. In 1953, Ken was drafted into the Army. He spent 2 years stationed in Fort Hood Texas with Opal. He worked as a cook on the base and particularly liked to share the story of making numerous gallons of spaghetti sauce for the soldiers to eat, which he stirred with a canoe paddle. Following his time in the Army, Ken moved back to Albia and raised three children, Jim (Conni) Huber, Kimberly (Dave) Garrett, and Bill (Jackie) Huber. Kenneth worked hard his whole life, as a husband, father, farmer, leather man, scout leader, and longtime deacon at the First Christian Church in Albia. In 1965, he opened the Huber Saddle Shop where he made and sold saddles and leather goods of all kinds. Anyone who came to the shop would be greeted with a smile and story from Ken, over a cup of coffee from Opal. Ken never met a stranger, and had good friends everywhere he went. His family grew throughout his life to include seven grandchildren, Rose (Scott) Trafford, Ivy Huber, Willow Huber, Jamie (Jeff) Swan, Melody Tisue, Justin (Trina) Huber, and Cody (Shayla) Huber; and five great grandchildren, Drake, Meredith, Leroy Colt, and Jett. Kenny’s lifelong dream was to get Bill to the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, which Bill did in 1994 and 1996. Ken loved greeting people with a helping hand, warm conversation, or joke. He loved roping calves, baling hay, and fly fishing. More than anything, he loved Opal. Always side by side, they were a model of a happy life, lived to the fullest and they shared over 68 years of marriage. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 31, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Ken’s family present throughout the day and evening to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the First Christian Church in Albia, with Pastor Arlene Johnson and Pastor Lynda Carlson co-officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Melrose and Lovilia will follow services at Selection Cemetery in rural Monroe County. Memorials have been established to the First Christian Church in Albia, Selection Cemetery, or to the family.

Kenneth Kasper Huber

July 14, 1933 - May 26, 2021