Ken Ogier Obituary (1943 - 2021)

Ken Ogier passed away on January 25, 2021, from diabetic ketoacidosis at the age of 78. Ken was born on January 9, 1943, in Ottumwa to George and Frances Ogier. He and many lifelong friends graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1961. During and after his high school years, Ken worked for Buretta's Flower and Gift Shop, and then joined the United States Air Force. On July 4, 1964, he married Judy Griffin, a 1962 OHS graduate, at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Ottumwa. Ken and Judy followed his Air Force assignments to Athens, Greece; Austin, Texas; and Grand Forks, North Dakota before returning to Ottumwa to raise their two daughters. Ken began working for John Deere Ottumwa Works, completed his apprenticeship, and enjoyed 36 years as a tool and die maker there before his retirement. His work colleagues became close friends, and they maintained contact until his final days. Ken was extremely proud of his career at John Deere and the products that the plant produced with dedication and teamwork. He enjoyed his life outside of work, as well. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a dedicated dad to two girls, ensuring that they had everything they needed to achieve higher education and pursue rewarding careers. He also supported his wife in her window covering business, measuring and hanging countless blinds and draperies. He enjoyed building and repairing things around their house, maintaining a neat lawn and clean, shiny cars. In fact, extended family formed a standard of assessing car cleanliness, as in, "It's clean...but is it 'Kenny Ogier Clean?'" In 2008, Ken and Judy moved permanently to Colorado Springs to enjoy more time with their youngest grandchildren. There, they appreciated the friendship of many people in their neighborhood, at the Briargate YMCA, and in Mass at St. Clare Chapel. They particularly enjoyed trips with friends to Estes Park and their travels to Ireland. Ken deeply mourned the loss of Judy to pulmonary fibrosis in 2019, as well as his separation from family, friends, and Starbucks baristas to protect everyone from COVID-19 in 2020, but enjoyed his new care and community in senior living. Ken is survived by his daughter Cindy of Manassas, Virginia; daughter Stacy and son- in-law Wes Thurman of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren Jake in Texas, Alec and Sam in Virginia; and Grant, Will, and Claire in Colorado. Ken is also survived by his sister, Anita Moss in Muscatine, Iowa, and many beloved extended family members and cherished friends. His parents preceded him in death in 1993 and 2016, and his in- laws Maxine and Fred passed in 1984 and 2005. Graveside Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021 in St. Mary's Cemetery in Albia with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottfuneralhome.com.