Kenneth Rehling

Funeral service for Kenneth G. Rehling, 74, of Hebron will be held at 10:30 am CT, Saturday, February 9, 2019 at St. John Church, Hebron with Pastor Marcy Dawson officiating.  Military Rites will be presented by the Henry Biffert Post #100.  Burial will take place in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation for Kenneth will be from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm CT, Friday, February 8, 2019 at St. John Church, Hebron with a prayer service taking place at 6:00 pm CT.

Kenneth passed away Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND.

Kenneth Gary Rehling was born on October 12, 1944 at Hebron to Paul and Clara (Sailer) Rehling.  He was raised and educated in Hebron, North Dakota graduating from Hebron High School in 1963.  In 1965 he was drafted to the United States Army and served for two years being honorably discharged in 1967. He then returned to Hebron where he became an employee of the Hebron Brick Company for 43 years, starting as the bookkeeper and then becoming office manager.

On June 14, 1969 he married the love of his life Judy Genter in Monango, North Dakota and they would have celebrated their 50th anniversary this June.

Ken was involved in numerous community organizations holding various offices throughout the years:  American Legion, Hebron Business Club, Hebron Lions Club, Hebron Wildlife and Gun Club, Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, Hebron Ambulance Squad, Hebron Area Community Foundation, Rolling Hills Snowmobile Club (charter member), Hebron Jaycees receiving the Distinguished Service Award in 1975, Brickmaker Booster Club, Brick City Senior Citizens, and Volunteer Carrier for Meals on Wheels.  He served on the Hebron City Council on and off from 1974 to the present holding the position of Mayor from 1982 – 1990. During his mayoral term he and Judy had the privilege of traveling to Israel and Palestine because of the biblical association of Hebron in the United States and Hebron in the Holy Land. He served as Vice President on Hebron’s Centennial Committee and the 125th Celebration putting in many hours to make sure the events were successful.  Ken was baptized and confirmed in the First Congregational United Church of Christ, where he also served various positions on the church council.

His love for the outdoors and hunting led him to become an instructor for the North Dakota Hunter Education Association, at which he was a volunteer for 38 plus years.  He received a lifetime hunting and fishing license for his service to the organization.  He enjoyed teaching both of his children and granddaughter during this time.  He especially enjoyed his time volunteering at the Game and Fish Booth during the North Dakota State Fair.
Ken’s love of Hebron was beyond measure.  He was always striving to make his hometown a better place.  He was a doer especially after his retirement, you could find him replacing the US flags at the community center, Fort Sauerkraut, and the “Welcome to Hebron” signs or mowing the lawn at the Lion’s Park, Lion’s Boy Scout Cabin, or Fort Sauerkraut.  If something needed to be done, Ken was the one who would get it done.

Ken was a handyman; whether it was a vehicle or appliance that didn’t work he would tinker on it until it ran or was beyond repair.  After the hardware store in Hebron closed, he was the go-to person for tools to borrow or provide parts for someone, so they didn’t have to make a trip out of town; he loved helping out his friends.
Ken’s love of family was especially important as he enjoyed taking the family on annual summer vacations and winter ski trips.

Ken is survived by his wife Judy; children, Jill (Matt) Vollmers of Bismarck, Jay Rehling of Hebron, and Trish (Dan) Ackerman of Pueblo, CO; grandchildren, Avery and Abel Vollmers and Emily Ackerman; sister, Donna (Fred) Duckwitz of Hebron; sister-in-law, Marlys (Tom) Kienzle of  Bismarck; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Clara Rehling; brother, Victor; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Mildred Genter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Congregational Church in Hebron or any of the local organizations to which Ken belonged.

Burial Date: February 9, 2019
Funeral Home Hebron, ND

Funeral Service:  10:30 am CT, Saturday, February 9, 2019, St. John Church, Hebron
Prayer Service:  6:00 pm CT, Friday, February 8, 2019, St. John Church, Hebron
Visitation:  5:00 pm to 6:00 pm CT, Friday, February 8, 2019, St. John Church, Hebron
Burial: 2:00 p.m. CT Monday, February 11, 2019 North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan